The government has announced an interest-free financing initiative of up to Rs 10 million to establish 250 co-working spaces nationwide under the National Co-Working Space Program (NCSP). This major initiative, executed by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), seeks to expand opportunities for freelancers and startups by offering modern work environments that support innovation, productivity, and collaboration. The program aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to strengthen its digital ecosystem and develop a more inclusive and dynamic digital economy.
According to the Expression of Interest (EOI) issued by PSEB, the financing will be offered to establish co-working spaces with a minimum capacity of 100 seats through a public-private partnership model. The program aims to position Pakistan as a global freelancing hub by creating accessible, state-of-the-art workspaces across the country. These facilities will cater to both individual freelancers and small enterprises, helping them operate in professional, well-equipped environments. By reducing infrastructure barriers, the initiative encourages digital entrepreneurship and supports Pakistan’s growing community of remote professionals and creative workers.
This development comes at a time when Pakistan is facing significant employment challenges, with Gallup Pakistan reporting that 8.9 million youth remain unemployed and around 21.8 million are currently out of education, employment, or training. Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s freelancing sector continues to thrive globally, contributing to foreign exchange inflows and digital exports. Through NCSP, the government aims to further capitalize on this potential by creating a network of 250 technology hubs that nurture emerging talent and enable digital participation on a national scale. These centers will act as innovation incubators where freelancers, entrepreneurs, and startups can share ideas, learn from each other, and build connections to accelerate their professional growth.
The co-working spaces will be strategically located in major cities and regional centers, ensuring accessibility to a diverse pool of talent. Each center will not only provide physical workstations but also foster an environment conducive to collaboration, skill development, and networking. The program envisions these spaces as knowledge-sharing hubs where local innovators can receive mentorship, access resources, and develop market-ready digital products and services. Through this, the initiative aims to build a stronger ecosystem for entrepreneurship while enhancing Pakistan’s capacity for digital exports.
Under the eligibility requirements, existing co-working spaces or underutilized buildings can be converted into NCSP centers if they meet certain operational standards. The interest-free loan can be processed through the PM Youth Loan Scheme or commercial banks, offering flexibility to applicants. Once established, each center will be independently managed and maintained by its operators, ensuring sustainability through a self-managed model. By investing in co-working infrastructure and providing financial support without interest burdens, the government seeks to create long-term digital employment opportunities and contribute to Pakistan’s transformation into a globally recognized technology destination.
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