Pakistani freelancers generated $175.44 million in foreign exchange through freelance services in July 2026, marking a 45.5 percent increase from $120.56 million recorded in the same month last year, according to State Bank of Pakistan data

Freelance export receipts increased by $54.88 million year over year during the first month of fiscal year 2026 to 27, highlighting the growing contribution of online workers to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings.

IT related freelance services generated $106.78 million in July, up from $89.87 million a year earlier. Non IT freelance services recorded $68.66 million, more than double the $30.68 million recorded in July 2025.

Ibrahim Amin, chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association, said freelance export receipts had maintained a steady growth trajectory but added that the sector would need to sustain growth of more than 50 percent in the coming months to achieve a substantial increase by the end of the financial year.

He said freelancing offers young people and students an opportunity to earn income online, but they need in demand technical and soft skills to compete effectively on international platforms. These include business development, communication and client management.

Amin said the government and private sector were working to expand skills development opportunities for young people and students and help them enter the digital workforce

He also said the introduction of separate freelancer awards by the Pakistan Freelancers Association and the Pakistan Software Export Board for the first time could help recognize the sector’s contribution and encourage more young people to pursue freelancing and other forms of online work.  .. Source