Pakistan’s freelance sector continues to grow rapidly, earning significant foreign exchange for the country. The latest data shows strong progress despite internet disruptions and frequent power outages.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, freelancers generated $856 million in IT exports during the first nine months of FY2025-26. This marks a sharp rise compared to $567 million in the same period last year.
The figures show a 50 percent increase, highlighting the sector’s resilience. Experts say the growth continues despite internet issues that affect daily operations.
Industry leaders point to a rising number of skilled workers entering the market. Many individuals are trained through government and private programs. This expanding talent pool is strengthening Pakistan’s global presence in freelancing.
Pakistan Freelancers Association Chairman Ibrahim Amin said new freelancers are joining every month. He credited support from institutions like the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and the Pakistan Software Export Board.
He noted that the sector is growing despite internet slowdowns that impact productivity. Freelancers often face delays in completing projects due to unstable connections.
Amin warned that these disruptions can harm professional reputation. Missed deadlines may affect ratings on global freelancing platforms. This creates long-term challenges for workers in the digital economy.
Pakistan currently has more than 2.37 million freelancers, according to the Asian Development Bank. This places the country among the top nations in terms of freelance workforce size.
However, internet issues remain a major concern. Recent maintenance on a submarine cable slowed speeds across the country. This further affected freelancers working online.
The problem also impacts gig economy workers. Ride-hailing drivers and delivery riders rely on stable internet for their earnings. Their income is also affected despite internet disruptions.
Experts suggest improving digital infrastructure to support continued growth. They recommend reliable, high-speed internet across all regions. This would help freelancers meet deadlines and maintain quality work.
Amin also proposed satellite-based internet as a backup solution. He said this could reduce downtime during technical issues.
Looking ahead, the introduction of 5G technology may improve connectivity. Better infrastructure could boost productivity for freelancers and digital professionals.
Overall, Pakistan’s freelance sector continues to expand strongly despite internet challenges, showing resilience and growing global demand for its talent.
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