In the first half of the financial year 2025-26, Pakistani freelancers achieved significant economic success by generating over $500 million in foreign exchange earnings. This milestone was highlighted in a statement by the Pakistan Freelancers Association (Pafla) and substantiated by data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The report revealed a 58% year-on-year growth in export receipts for computer and information services, reaching $557 million between July and December, compared to $352 million in the same period of the previous year. This growth underscores Pakistan’s emergence as a competitive hub for global freelancing services, particularly in areas such as software development, digital marketing, graphic design, content creation, and e-commerce.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the freelancing sector through improved digital infrastructure, affordable broadband, simplified payment mechanisms, and targeted training programs. The government has also enabled freelancers to maintain foreign exchange accounts and retain a portion of their income in dollars.
Looking forward, policy reforms and partnerships with the private sector aim to further integrate freelancers into the formal economy, boosting national exports. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication continues to work towards creating an enabling environment that maximizes the earning potential of Pakistani freelancers in global markets.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 15th, 2026
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