By Qudsia Bano

Pakistan's flagship digital skills programme, DigiSkills.pk, conducted more than 5 million trainings during July-March FY2025-26, strengthening the country's digital workforce and supporting the rapid growth of freelancing, information technology services and online entrepreneurship, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released by the Ministry of Finance.

The survey highlights human capital development as a key pillar of Pakistan's digital transformation strategy, with DigiSkills continuing to play a central role in equipping individuals with market-oriented skills required in the modern digital economy.

According to the survey, DigiSkills conducted more than 5.14 million trainings during July-March FY2025-26, making it one of the largest digital skills development initiatives in the country. The programme has expanded access to technology-related education and provided opportunities for individuals from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to participate in the digital economy.

The survey notes that the programme has been a key driver of growth in Pakistan's freelancing sector, which has emerged as an increasingly important source of export earnings and employment opportunities.

Freelancers trained under DigiSkills earned approximately $1.65 billion during July-March FY2025-26, reflecting the programme's economic impact and its contribution to foreign exchange inflows.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the programme was designed to address the growing demand for digital skills in both domestic and international markets. Participants receive training in a range of disciplines that support freelancing, entrepreneurship and online employment.

The survey highlights courses offered under DigiSkills in areas such as freelancing, digital marketing, graphic design, web development, search engine optimization, e-commerce management, content creation, virtual assistance and other technology-driven professions.

The programme's continued expansion comes at a time when Pakistan's digital economy is growing rapidly. ICT export remittances increased by 19.7% to $3.38 billion during July-March FY2025-26, compared with $2.83 billion during the corresponding period last year, while technology freelancer exports surged by 51% to $856.3 million.

According to the survey, the availability of a skilled digital workforce has become increasingly important for sustaining this growth and enhancing Pakistan's competitiveness in global technology markets.

The report notes that freelancing has become a viable source of income for thousands of young Pakistanis, enabling them to access international clients and earn foreign exchange without leaving the country.

The programme has also helped promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurship by encouraging participants to establish independent online businesses and service-based ventures.

According to the survey, digital skills development forms part of a broader government effort to prepare the workforce for technological change and emerging economic opportunities.

Pakistan's demographic profile further underscores the importance of such initiatives. With a large youth population entering the labour market each year, skills development programmes are increasingly viewed as essential for improving employability and productivity.

The survey highlights parallel efforts undertaken through the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and Ignite to strengthen the country's technology ecosystem.

During FY2025-26, various programmes focused on artificial intelligence training, startup incubation, semiconductor design, freelancing development and advanced digital skills aimed at preparing the workforce for future technologies.

The government also approved Pakistan's Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025 during the fiscal year. According to the survey, the policy seeks to accelerate AI adoption, promote innovation, support research and strengthen future-ready skills across multiple sectors of the economy.

The report notes that improvements in digital infrastructure have further enhanced the effectiveness of skills development initiatives. Broadband subscribers reached 161 million by March 2026, while broadband penetration increased to 64.2%, expanding access to online learning and digital work opportunities.

According to the Ministry of Finance, continued investment in human capital will remain essential for supporting innovation, export growth and economic competitiveness.

The survey notes that digital skills programmes contribute not only to employment generation but also to broader national objectives such as export diversification, technology adoption and knowledge-based economic development.

With more than 5.14 million trainings completed and freelance earnings continuing to grow, DigiSkills has become a significant component of Pakistan's digital economy strategy and an important platform for connecting the country's workforce with opportunities in global digital markets.

Credit: INP-WealthPk