China will provide digital skills training to 300,000 Pakistani youths every year under a new initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s technology sector, expanding the digital economy and preparing young professionals for future employment opportunities, according to Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. Speaking during the 3rd Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) IT Freelancing Awards 2026, the minister said Pakistan’s growing digital workforce has become an important contributor to the national economy, with the country’s young professionals earning foreign exchange and supporting technology exports through freelancing and digital services. He noted that Pakistan has emerged as the world’s fourth largest freelancing workforce, demonstrating the capabilities of its youth in serving international clients and contributing to export growth.
Addressing the gathering, Ahsan Iqbal said that success in today’s global economy increasingly depends on knowledge, digital skills and access to technology rather than large offices or significant financial investment. He explained that the collaboration with China to train 300,000 Pakistani youths annually will help strengthen the country’s knowledge economy while equipping young professionals with skills required in rapidly evolving technology fields. The minister added that Pakistan’s freelancers are already making a meaningful contribution to the national economy by generating valuable foreign exchange and expanding the country’s digital footprint in international markets. During the event, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheemur Rehman Saigol encouraged freelancers and information technology professionals to build expertise in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace. He said innovation, information technology and the digital economy form key pillars of Government of Pakistan’s Uraan Pakistan vision, adding that local freelancers have the potential to play a major role in achieving those national objectives.
Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman also addressed the ceremony and praised Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry for recognizing the achievements of Pakistani freelancers. He described freelancing as an important pillar of Pakistan’s digital economy rather than an alternative profession, highlighting its growing contribution to foreign exchange earnings and economic development. According to the minister, Pakistani freelancers serve as digital ambassadors by representing the country’s talent and professional capabilities on the international stage. He stated that Punjab government recognizes the importance of internationally accepted payment systems and a strong digital financial ecosystem for freelancers and is working alongside the federal government and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to address challenges related to receiving international payments. He said the government’s objective is to ensure freelancers can receive their earnings through secure, efficient and convenient payment channels while strengthening the country’s digital services sector.
Reaffirming Punjab government’s commitment to technology driven economic development, Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman said efforts are continuing to promote a business friendly environment supported by transparency and predictable economic policies that encourage digital exports and foreign exchange earnings. He noted that substantial investments are being made in digital infrastructure, innovation centres, technology parks, information technology zones and innovation hubs across Punjab to create new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people. According to the minister, Punjab has also become the first province in Pakistan to launch large scale Artificial Intelligence initiatives with the objective of becoming the country’s leading centre for AI, innovation and digital entrepreneurship. He emphasized that the government’s long term vision extends beyond producing successful freelancers and aims to develop Artificial Intelligence specialists, startup founders and globally competitive technology leaders who can contribute to Pakistan’s expanding digital economy and strengthen its position in the international technology landscape.
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