Pakistan freelancers outpace India, China, UAE; earn $1B in 10 months

KARACHI, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistani freelancers generated nearly $1 billion in foreign exchange earnings during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, reflecting strong growth in the country’s digital services sector despite domestic and global economic challenges.

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, export earnings from freelancing in the computer and information services sector reached $959 million between July 2025 and April 2026, compared with $642 million during the same period a year earlier.

The increase of $317 million represents annual growth of nearly 49%.

Pakistani freelancers outperformed workers from several countries, including India, China and the United Arab Emirates, during the period, according to a report by The Express Tribune.

Pakistan Freelancers Association CEO Dr. Imran Batada attributed the increase in earnings to growing participation by Pakistani freelancers on global digital platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr and various social media-based marketplaces.

Batada said awareness of freelancing opportunities had expanded significantly across Pakistan in recent years, enabling more people to acquire professional skills through online learning, private training institutes, government-backed programs and initiatives launched by non-governmental organizations.

“Pakistan’s freelancing community comprises nearly three million individuals,” Batada said. “The government, banking sector and other stakeholders should work together to increase this number in an organized manner.”

Batada, a five-time recipient of the Global CIO Award, said he has trained more than 25,000 freelancers.

Pakistan has increasingly promoted its information technology and freelance sectors as key sources of export revenue and employment, particularly for young people entering the workforce amid broader economic pressures.