Pakistani freelancers earned more than $500 million in foreign exchange during the first half of the 2025–26 financial year, underlining the growing strength of the country’s digital economy and rising global demand for Pakistani talent.
According to figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan, export earnings from freelancers in the computer and information services sector reached $557 million between July and December.
This marks a significant increase from $352 million recorded during the same period last year — a year-on-year rise of 58 per cent.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government is taking a range of measures to further facilitate freelancers and strengthen their contribution to the national economy.
She noted that freelancers are permitted to open foreign currency accounts and retain up to 50 per cent of their earnings in US dollars.
Additionally, freelancers registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) are subject to a concessional tax rate of just 0.25 per cent.
The IT minister added that policy reforms, collaboration with the private sector and support for digital platforms are being aligned to integrate freelancers into the formal economy and enhance their role in national exports.
A report by the Asian Development Bank estimates that Pakistan has approximately 2.37 million full-time and part-time freelancers.
On major global freelancing marketplaces, Pakistani professionals consistently rank among the top three or four nationalities.
