Islamabad/Karachi: Pakistani freelancers generated $557 million in foreign exchange during the first six months of fiscal year 2025–26, marking a 58% year-on-year increase, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The earnings, recorded between July and December, were up from $352 million during the same period of the previous financial year. The figures highlight continued growth in Pakistan’s computer and information services exports and the expanding role of independent digital workers in the national economy.
Industry stakeholders say the increase reflects rising global demand for Pakistani professionals in areas such as software development, digital marketing, graphic design, content creation and e-commerce services.
Policy measures and facilitation
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government is working to strengthen digital infrastructure, expand broadband access and simplify digital payment systems to support freelancers.
Under existing policies, freelancers can maintain foreign currency accounts and retain up to 50% of their earnings in US dollars. Those registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) are subject to a reduced tax rate of 0.25%.
Officials say reforms are aimed at integrating freelancers into the formal economy while increasing services exports.
Expanding freelance workforce
According to the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan has an estimated 2.37 million full-time and part-time freelancers. The country consistently ranks among the top contributors on several global freelancing platforms.
Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), Ibrahim Amin, said freelancers are contributing significantly to foreign exchange inflows and youth employment.
He called for greater collaboration between government institutions, academia and industry to provide structured training, certification programmes and market-aligned curricula.
Outlook for the sector
Freelancers are now among the leading contributors to Pakistan’s services exports. Stakeholders say continued policy support, improved ease of doing business and investment in digital skills could help annual freelance earnings cross the $1 billion mark by the end of the fiscal year.
The statement was issued by PAFLA following approval from the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication.
