The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) organized a Grand Seminar at Ilma University that brought together a vibrant mix of industry leaders, technology professionals, and aspiring freelancers for a day of learning and inspiration. The event served as a dynamic knowledge-sharing platform, covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence and freelancing strategies to digital payment systems and financial inclusion for independent professionals. The audience engaged actively throughout the session, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among Pakistan’s youth to explore freelancing and technology-driven career opportunities.
The seminar featured an impressive lineup of speakers who shared their personal journeys, practical expertise, and valuable insights to help attendees better understand the evolving freelance ecosystem. Among the notable speakers were Ammara Aftab, Founder and CEO of Pro AI Global and District Artificial Intelligence Chair at Rotary International 3271, who discussed the increasing relevance of AI and digital transformation in today’s freelance economy. Sagar Samy, a well-known content creator and AI generalist, shared practical advice on building a successful online brand and adapting to emerging digital tools. M. Hasan Bin Liaquat, a Top Rated Upwork freelancer and trainer, offered actionable strategies for freelancers to grow their international portfolios and maintain client satisfaction in a competitive online marketplace.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled “Payment Solutions and the Future of Freelancing,” which brought together experts from the financial and digital payment sectors. The panel featured Irfan Zulfiqar, Regional Manager Corporate Sales at HBL; Syed Osama Khalid, Product Manager – Wealth Management at Meezan Bank Limited; Abdullah Maqsood Khawaja, Senior Business Manager for International Payment Schemes and New Initiatives at 1LINK (Pvt) Limited; and Faraz Hussain Buriro, Founder of PakGPT and Ajoryfy, and Co-Chairperson at ProAI Global. The discussion explored how banking institutions and fintech players are enabling smoother payment channels for freelancers, the importance of secure transaction frameworks, and the future of cross-border payment integration for independent professionals in Pakistan.
The seminar was moderated by Syed Faizan Ali Shah, Founder and CEO of Best Pakistan and Best Tech, and CTO at Skypoint Studio USA, who skillfully guided the discussion and ensured each topic resonated with the audience. His moderation balanced expert insights with practical takeaways, creating an engaging and informative experience for participants. The event concluded with appreciation extended to Ilma University for hosting and managing the arrangements seamlessly, and to the students whose energetic participation made the seminar impactful. Through events like this, PAFLA continues to strengthen Pakistan’s freelance community by fostering dialogue between the tech industry, financial institutions, and aspiring professionals, paving the way for a more connected and digitally empowered workforce.
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