1.5 million Pakistani freelancers to benefit from govt’s new initiative

WEB DESK: In a major development aimed at bolstering the freelance industry in Pakistan, Caretaker IT and Telecom Minister Dr Umar Saif declared on Wednesday the establishment of 10,000 e-Rozgar centres nationwide.

The move is designed to provide essential support to the approximately 1.5 million freelancers operating in the country, many of whom lack proper workspaces.

Dr Saif, in a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the importance of convenience for freelancers to enhance their work performance and efficiency.

He emphasized that facilitating one million freelancers could potentially lead to an annual revenue boost of approximately $10 billion.

The minister underscored the significant role already played by existing measures, such as permitting freelancers to retain up to 50 per cent of their export earnings and facilitating easy payment processes.

These initiatives, coupled with the new e-Rozgar centres, are expected to spur rapid growth in freelance activities.

The Ministry of Information Technology identified that a significant portion of freelancers hails from smaller cities and towns.

Notably, female IT experts, primarily from remote areas with limited job opportunities in their field, constitute a significant demographic within the freelancing community.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by freelancers, including the lack of proper work environments and fast internet access at home, Dr Saif revealed that the newly proposed e-Rozgar centres would be fully equipped with all necessary facilities.

Each centre is projected to accommodate up to 100 individuals, providing an ideal working space for freelancers.

To encourage the transformation of properties into e-Rozgar centres, the government will extend interest-free loans to building owners.

This initiative aims to create a network of workspaces that fosters collaboration and connectivity among freelancers, enabling them to pursue high-end projects and enhance their professional growth.

The caretaker minister, speaking to the media, emphasized that the networking and connectivity aspects of the e-Rozgar centres would play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment for freelancers to undertake more lucrative opportunities.

This ambitious plan signals a significant step forward in empowering the freelance community and boosting the overall digital economy in Pakistan.

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