Pakistan’s Freelancers Drive Over 50% Growth in Forex Earnings Amid Connectivity Challenges

Pakistani freelancers are rapidly strengthening their position in the global freelancing market, contributing to a significant rise in the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), freelancers in computer and IT services earned $856 million by the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, compared to $567 million during the same period last year—an increase of $289 million, reflecting over 50% growth.

Industry experts attribute this surge to the increasing number of skilled individuals entering the freelancing sector. Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin noted that hundreds of thousands of individuals trained through government initiatives and private programs are joining the market each month.

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 creating a supportive ecosystem for freelancers.

However, despite this growth, Amin raised concerns over persistent internet slowdowns and unreliable connectivity, which are negatively affecting freelancers’ productivity. He emphasized that slow internet speeds and frequent power outages are making it difficult for professionals to meet deadlines, potentially damaging their global rankings and credibility.

According to the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan has more than 2.37 million freelancers, making it one of the largest freelance workforces globally. However, many gig workers are facing income losses due to connectivity issues across digital platforms.

Recent maintenance work on a submarine internet cable also disrupted services nationwide, further highlighting the country’s infrastructure challenges.

To address these issues, experts have suggested the introduction of satellite-based internet solutions and expressed optimism about the future rollout of 5G technology, which is expected to significantly improve internet speeds and support Pakistan’s growing digital economy.