KARACHI: Pakistan’s freelance sector recorded a strong start to the new fiscal year, with export receipts generated by freelancers reaching $352 million during July and August 2026, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed.
The earnings were up 44 percent from the $244 million recorded during the same two-month period of the previous year, highlighting continued growth in Pakistan’s digital and remote-work economy.
According to the central bank’s data, freelancers engaged in information technology-related services contributed $212 million to the total export receipts during the period.
Non-IT freelance services accounted for another $139 million in earnings.
Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairperson Ibrahim Amin attributed the rise to the growing participation of Pakistani freelancers on international digital platforms.
He said local freelancers were increasingly acquiring skills that were in demand globally, particularly those related to artificial intelligence tools and applications.
Amin noted that freelancers were also moving beyond individual assignments, with many forming teams and operating agencies that offer multiple services through international freelancing platforms.
He said the expansion of the freelance economy could also be linked to training initiatives being conducted by government institutions, private-sector organisations and non-governmental organisations in various parts of the country.
According to Amin, such programmes were helping young people acquire market-oriented IT and other professional skills alongside their formal education.
The latest figures underscore the growing contribution of freelance and digitally delivered services to Pakistan’s export earnings.
