Amir Saeed

Pakistan’s growing freelance economy is driven by digital skill development, innovation, and increased women’s participation, fostering inclusive economic growth and technological advancement. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, the government’s vision centres on transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy by promoting economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

National Incubation Centres (NICs) have played a pivotal role in this transformation, incubating more than 1,900 startups, over 960 of which have successfully launched. A major contributor to the freelance sector’s rise is the DigiSkills.pk 2.0 training programme. This initiative has conducted over 4.55 million training sessions to date, with women making up 28% of the total trainees. This significant participation highlights the increasing role of women in Pakistan’s digital workforce.

The programme has also extended its reach to overseas Pakistanis, training more than 50,000 individuals abroad. The impact of DigiSkills.pk is evident in the earnings of its freelancers, who have collectively earned $1.65 billion up to December 2024. Talking to WealthPK, Dr Idrees Ahmed, Director Innovation & Reforms at Performance Management & Reforms Unit (PMRU), Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighted the Digital Pakistan Speed Programming Competition 2025 as a pivotal initiative in advancing the technical skills of Pakistan’s youth.

He explained that the competition’s format —challenging participants to solve complex problems within a limited timeframe — goes beyond testing coding ability. It cultivates critical attributes such as analytical thinking, teamwork, and creativity, which are essential for success in today’s fast-paced digital economy. Ahmed said that by fostering these skills, the competition not only prepares young professionals to meet industry demands but also nurtures a culture of innovation and collaboration. This, he noted, is vital for strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global technology landscape and for encouraging startups and professionals to push boundaries.

Reflecting on the broader digital ecosystem, he highlighted the significant momentum in the country’s freelance economy and the increasing participation of women as transformative developments. Ahmed added that continued government support and targeted skill development initiatives are crucial to sustaining and accelerating this growth. According to him, empowering diverse talent through accessible training programmes and competitive platforms creates an enabling environment where innovation can thrive regardless of gender or geography.

He emphasised that such inclusive efforts will ensure that the freelance sector remains a dynamic contributor to the country’s economic progress. He opined that these initiatives will help build a knowledge-based economy where both men and women can equally participate and lead. Ahmed said sustained investment in digital skills and entrepreneurship will position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global digital age, driving economic growth and social progress for years to come.

Credit: INP-WealthPk