Pakistan’s freelance export earnings poised to hit $500 million in FY25

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s freelance services sector is on track to bring in $500 million in foreign exchange earnings during the current fiscal year, as the country’s young workforce taps into global demand for digital services.

Freelance income stood at over $400 million in the previous fiscal year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. With steady growth, driven by increasing participation of youth in remote work, earnings are expected to rise further by June 2025.

“Freelancing is now a key pillar of foreign exchange inflows,” said Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA). “This isn’t about individual success stories anymore — it’s a sustainable and scalable model of income without reliance on factories, raw materials, or traditional exports.”

Pakistan has one of the world’s youngest populations, with over 70 per cent of its people under the age of 30. This demographic advantage is helping the country become a growing hub of digital talent, with freelancers offering services in software development, graphic design, digital marketing and content creation to clients in the US, UK, Middle East and Europe.

Global platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com have enabled tens of thousands of Pakistanis to connect with overseas clients. The trend is supported by wider internet access and growing awareness of remote work opportunities.

But despite the rising inflows, the sector still faces structural barriers. Amin pointed to the lack of access to global payment gateways such as PayPal, vague tax regulations, and limited banking services tailored to freelancers. These hurdles, he said, prevent the sector from reaching its full potential.

PAFLA is engaging with both federal and provincial governments to develop supportive policies, including proposals for tax relief, easier account setup processes, reduced transaction fees, and legal safeguards for freelancers.

“These foreign earnings not only support households but also help stabilise the economy at a time of recurring trade and currency imbalances,” Amin said. “It’s smart economics — and it’s time we treated it like that.”

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