Pakistani freelancers capture 25% share of IT exports

Pakistani freelancers have further consolidated their importance in the country’s digital economy, increasing their share of overall IT exports to 25 percent during the first eleven months (July-May) of the fiscal year 2025-26.

According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan, freelancers’ export earnings have crossed the $1 billion mark for the first time. During July-May, freelancers earned over $1.06 billion in foreign exchange, which is about 49.7 percent more than the $708 million earned in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Pakistan’s overall IT exports have also reached $4 billion this year.

Describing this achievement as historic for the freelance community, Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), said that with favorable policies, Pakistani freelancers can earn up to $3 billion annually in the next few years.

He welcomed the government’s decision to maintain the 0.25 percent final tax regime (FTR) for freelancers.

Experts have also termed high-speed internet and uninterrupted power supply as essential for the continued growth of the sector. It is estimated that there are about 3 million freelancers in Pakistan.

Dr. Munawar Javed Ahmed said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the global employment landscape. Those freelancers who master AI technology will prove to be more successful in the future.

He urged the government and the private sector to launch special training programs related to AI for freelancers.