Pakistani freelancers earn record $1.76 billion in FY26

Pakistani freelancers earned a record USD 1.76 billion in foreign exchange during fiscal year 2025-26, a 78% increase from USD 984 million in FY25, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The record earnings underscore the growing contribution of Pakistan's freelance workforce to the country's digital exports and foreign exchange inflows.

The data showed that IT freelancers generated more than USD 1.16 billion during FY26, up from USD 779 million in the previous fiscal year, an increase of 49%, or USD 385 million.

Meanwhile, export earnings by non-IT freelancers surged to USD 592 million from USD 205 million in FY25, marking a 188% increase, or USD 387 million, over the period.

Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin said freelancers are making a significant contribution to Pakistan's economy by strengthening key macroeconomic indicators, particularly through foreign exchange earnings and tax contributions.

He said Pakistan's freelancing community has become a key driver of economic growth, with export earnings surpassing those of several traditional sectors in just a few years.

"Pakistani freelancers are not only improving their own livelihoods through talent and hard work, but are also contributing to the development of a more productive, skilled and digitally empowered workforce," he said.

According to industry estimates, Pakistan is home to nearly 3 million full-time and part-time freelancers, making it the world's fourth-largest freelancing workforce.

PAFLA President and CEO Dr. Imran Batada said Pakistan needs to expand digital skills training programs to equip young people with the skills required to compete on global freelancing and digital platforms. He said doing so would help reduce unemployment and poverty while increasing export earnings.

Batada said PAFLA plans to expand its free digital skills training programs to thousands more young Pakistanis over the coming year, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and data analytics.

"Pakistan's skilled workforce is one of our greatest national assets," Batada said. "We are urging freelancers to think beyond individual gigs and evolve into startups or registered companies while continuously upgrading their expertise in emerging, high-demand technologies. This is how we turn a generation of talented individuals into a lasting digital economy."

Batada also welcomed the government's continued support for the freelancing sector through favorable tax policies and skills development initiatives, saying they would further accelerate the growth of Pakistan's digital economy.