Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) hosted the 2nd IT Freelancing Awards 2025, acknowledging Pakistan’s thriving freelance community for their growing contribution to the country’s digital economy. The event, held in Lahore, spotlighted freelancers who have quietly become a significant source of foreign remittances and digital transformation. Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider served as the chief guest, while LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry welcomed the guests. The ceremony was attended by figures from business, technology, and diplomatic communities.
Twenty-two freelancers were recognized for excellence across categories like content writing, animation, mobile app development, UI/UX design, DevOps, SEO, and virtual reality. Awardees included Nadia Mahmood for character design, Sana Mubashar in content writing, Adnan Ali as DevOps Specialist, Syeda Saba Usman for e-book publishing, Zahid Imran for app development, and Muhammad Zohaib Ayub in SEO. Rising and emerging talents like Iqra Sarfraz and Salaha Zafar were also honored, along with professionals like Hafiz Muhammad Majid Mahmood for VR development and Sarfraz Aqeel in web development.
Special recognition was also extended to individuals who have supported IT development and digital policy efforts. Honorees included LCCI’s leadership team, SAARC Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar, and members of the LCCI Standing Committee on IT Infrastructure Development & Training such as Mudassir Naeem Chaudhry and Imad Malik. Daud Nazir of NJ Dynamic Solutions was also awarded for contributions to the tech sector.
Governor Sardar Saleem Haider praised the freelancers as digital warriors who are reshaping Pakistan’s international image. He emphasized the need for policy and regulatory support to ease their professional journey and enhance economic contribution. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad described freelancing as the backbone of Pakistan’s digital economy, stating that the Chamber is committed to offering training, advocacy, and recognition to empower youth delivering services worldwide.
Engineer Khalid Usman echoed this sentiment, calling for government initiatives like tax reforms, safe digital platforms, and reliable international payment systems to further enable freelancers. Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry underlined freelancing as a central pillar of Pakistan’s economy and emphasized the need for policy infrastructure and global integration to support this growing workforce. SAARC Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar described the freelancing sector as an untapped economic asset that must be nurtured. Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol called the sector a silent digital revolution and stressed the need for support and visibility.
Ambassador to Rwanda Naeem Khan praised the global standard of work being delivered by Pakistani IT professionals and described freelancers as vital agents of international outreach. Mudassir Naeem Chaudhry reaffirmed his commitment to promoting digital empowerment through local and international collaboration. The ceremony reflected LCCI’s sustained efforts to promote a culture of recognition and support for Pakistan’s digital workforce.
