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By Malik Shahzad Aslam :
Pakistan’s freelance workforce generated a record $1.76 billion in foreign exchange during the 2025–26 fiscal year, highlighting the rapid growth of the country’s digital economy and its increasing contribution to export earnings.
According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), freelance earnings rose 78% year-on-year, increasing from $984 million in FY2024–25 to $1.76 billion in FY2025–26.
The growth was driven by strong performance across both information technology (IT) and non-IT freelance services, reflecting rising global demand for Pakistani professionals in areas ranging from software development to digital marketing, content creation and business support services.
The IT sector remained the largest contributor to freelance exports. Pakistani IT freelancers earned more than $1.16 billion during FY2025–26, compared with $779 million a year earlier.
The increase of 49%, equivalent to approximately $385 million, reflects continued demand for software development, web development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other digital services provided by Pakistani professionals to international clients.
Meanwhile, non-IT freelance exports recorded even faster growth. Earnings from the segment climbed to $592 million, up from $205 million in the previous fiscal year—an increase of 188%.
Industry experts attribute the surge to expanding opportunities in fields such as graphic design, video editing, virtual assistance, translation, digital marketing, writing, finance and customer support.
He said the country’s freelance industry has evolved into one of Pakistan’s leading export sectors, with annual earnings now surpassing those of several traditional industries.
Amin added that Pakistani freelancers are improving not only their own livelihoods but also helping build a more skilled, productive and digitally connected workforce capable of competing in international markets.
According to industry estimates, Pakistan is home to nearly three million full-time and part-time freelancers, making it the fourth-largest freelancing workforce in the world. The country’s young population, expanding internet access and growing pool of technology graduates have helped fuel the sector’s rapid expansion.
The strong growth in freelance exports also reflects increasing adoption of global digital platforms, improved online payment systems and rising demand for remote work following the global shift toward digital services.
Economists say the continued expansion of Pakistan’s freelance economy presents significant opportunities for increasing export revenues without requiring large physical infrastructure investments. However, they note that further progress will depend on improving digital payment channels, expanding high-speed internet access, strengthening skills development and creating policies that support freelancers and digital entrepreneurs.
With global demand for remote digital services continuing to grow, Pakistan’s freelance sector is expected to remain an increasingly important source of employment, foreign exchange earnings and long-term economic growth.
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