Pakistani freelancers boosted the country’s foreign exchange earnings to more than $850 million in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, despite persistent internet disruptions and electricity shortages, officials and industry representatives said.
Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed that freelancers in computer and IT services generated $856 million during July-March of fiscal year 2025-26, compared with $567 million in the same period a year earlier — a surge of about 50%, or $289 million.
Industry leaders say the growth reflects an expanding workforce and increasing global demand for digital services from Pakistan.
Pakistan Freelancers Association Chairman Ibrahim Amin said a steady influx of new entrants — many trained through public-sector initiatives and nonprofit programs — is strengthening the country’s freelancing ecosystem and contributing to higher export revenues.
He highlighted the role of institutions such as the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council in supporting freelancers through policy and infrastructure development.
However, Amin warned that persistent internet slowdowns and frequent power outages are undermining productivity for freelancers and other digital workers.
“Unreliable connectivity makes it difficult for freelancers to meet deadlines, affecting their platform rankings and professional credibility,” he said, urging authorities and service providers to ensure stable, high-speed internet nationwide.
The issue has also affected gig economy workers, including ride-hailing drivers and food delivery personnel, whose earnings depend on consistent connectivity, Amin added.
According to the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan has more than 2.37 million freelancers, placing it among the world’s largest freelance markets.
Recent maintenance work on a submarine internet cable by a major service provider further disrupted connectivity across the country, worsening service quality for users.
To mitigate such challenges, Amin called for alternative solutions, including satellite-based internet services, to reduce reliance on submarine cables and improve resilience.
He also expressed optimism that the rollout of next-generation 5G technology could significantly enhance internet speeds and working conditions for freelancers and other online professionals in the near future.
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