By Farooq Awan

Pakistan's technology freelancers generated export earnings of $856.3 million in FY2025-26, marking a remarkable 51% increase over the previous year and reinforcing the country's position as one of the world's leading freelance markets, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released by the Ministry of Finance.

The survey identifies freelancing as one of the fastest-growing segments of Pakistan's digital economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings, employment generation and the expansion of technology-based services exports.

According to the survey, the strong growth reflects increasing global demand for Pakistani digital services as well as improvements in skills development, internet connectivity and digital payment ecosystems that have enabled freelancers to access international markets more effectively.

The performance comes as Pakistan continues to strengthen its transition toward a knowledge-based economy where digital services and technology-driven exports are becoming increasingly important sources of economic growth.

The survey notes that freelancers are now contributing substantially to the country's broader ICT export performance, which grew by 19.7% to $3.38 billion during FY2025-26. The rapid expansion of freelancing highlights the growing role of independent professionals in generating export income without requiring significant physical infrastructure investments.

Industry observers increasingly view freelancing as an important avenue for creating employment opportunities for young people, particularly in technology-related fields such as software development, graphic design, digital marketing, content creation, e-commerce support, artificial intelligence services and business process outsourcing.

A major factor behind the sector's growth has been the government's continued focus on digital skills development. According to the survey, DigiSkills.pk conducted more than 5.14 million trainings during the fiscal year, helping individuals acquire market-relevant skills needed to compete in international freelance marketplaces.

The survey reveals that freelancers trained under the DigiSkills programme earned approximately $1.65 billion, highlighting the economic impact of skills development initiatives aimed at enhancing digital employability.

The programme has helped equip participants with skills in areas including freelancing, digital marketing, graphic design, web development, search engine optimization, e-commerce management and emerging digital technologies.

According to the Ministry of Finance, human capital development remained a key priority throughout FY2025-26 as Pakistan sought to position itself as a competitive provider of technology and digital services in global markets.

The survey highlights that several initiatives were undertaken to strengthen the country's digital workforce. Programmes supported by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and Ignite focused on advanced skills development, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, semiconductor design and technology entrepreneurship.

The government also approved Pakistan's Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025 during the fiscal year. According to the survey, the policy aims to accelerate AI adoption, support innovation, strengthen research capabilities and prepare the workforce for future technology-driven opportunities.

Improved digital infrastructure has also contributed to the growth of freelancing activities. Broadband subscribers increased to 161 million by March 2026, while broadband penetration reached 64.2%. Greater internet access has enabled more individuals across the country to participate in online work and access international clients.

The survey notes that total telecom subscriptions reached 207.2 million during the fiscal year, reflecting continued expansion of digital connectivity and supporting broader participation in the digital economy.

Pakistan's technology sector also benefited from stronger international engagement. During FY2025-26, the Pakistan Software Export Board participated in 20 international technology events, generating 4,228 qualified business-to-business leads and reported business worth $73.9 million.

Meanwhile, more than 50 Software Technology Parks operating across the country continued to support over 350 IT and IT-enabled services companies, helping create an ecosystem conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship and export growth.

The survey notes that freelancing offers Pakistan a unique opportunity to generate export revenues without the constraints faced by traditional sectors. Digital professionals can serve clients worldwide while operating from virtually any location, making freelancing an important tool for promoting inclusive economic participation.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the continued expansion of digital skills programmes, technology infrastructure and innovation policies is expected to further strengthen Pakistan's freelance economy in the coming years.

The survey concludes that the 51% increase in freelancer exports demonstrates the growing competitiveness of Pakistani digital professionals in international markets and underscores the sector's potential to contribute to export diversification, youth employment and sustainable economic growth.

Credit: INP-WealthPk