Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has established a task force on Industry Data Collection to enhance facilitation for IT companies and freelancers through targeted initiatives aimed at increasing export income. The task force will digitally map freelancers, remote workers, and software companies, collecting data on credentials, earnings, export potential, and global presence. This precision mapping is expected to provide policymakers with insights to craft more effective strategies for the sector.
A dedicated Digital Economy Cell will focus on streamlining marketing efforts, expanding international client outreach, and addressing regulatory bottlenecks that hinder growth. The task force also aims to clearly differentiate between freelancers and remote workers for tax purposes, helping to reduce confusion, promote fairness, and incentivize the inflow of foreign currency through official channels.
To strengthen the talent pipeline, the ministry has planned free training programs, mentorship opportunities, co-working hubs, and zero-cost certifications to equip digital professionals with globally competitive skills. Initiatives such as marketing events in local and international markets, laptop schemes, and workshops will further support IT professionals and freelancers. Performance-linked incentives are also under consideration to reward high-performing exporters and improve Pakistan’s position in global IT export rankings.
Chairman Pakistan Freelancers Association Ibrahim Amin emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the task force will provide the digital economy with the tools to scale and lead on a global level. He noted that with 2.37 million freelancers already contributing to the international digital economy, Pakistan’s IT sector has lacked structured data, coherent policies, and proactive support. Amin projected that precise execution of this data-driven approach could potentially double IT exports within five years, elevate Pakistan into the top five freelance markets globally, and generate billions of dollars for the economy.
The task force, formed under the directives of the Prime Minister, is chaired by the Federal Minister for IT & Telecom and includes key figures such as Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jamil Ahmed, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Chairman Pakistan Freelancers Association Ibrahim Amin, Secretary Ministry of IT & Telecom Zarrar Hasham Khan, CEO Pakistan Software Export Board Abu Bakar, Systems Ltd CEO Asif Peer, and IGNITE CEO Adeel Aijaz Shaikh.
Among its recommendations, the working group urged the government to extend the tax exemption for the IT industry and freelancers, which is set to expire next year. It also proposed offering incentives similar to Roshan Digital Accounts to encourage foreign exchange inflows through formal banking channels. These measures, combined with robust data and policy support, are expected to position Pakistan’s digital economy for accelerated growth in the coming years.
Source: ProPakistani
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