Pakistani freelancers generated a record $1.76 billion in foreign exchange during fiscal year 2025 to 2026, marking a significant increase from $984 million recorded in the previous fiscal year, according to figures released by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The latest data highlights the growing contribution of Pakistan’s freelance economy to national export earnings, supported by continued expansion in both IT and non IT services. The increase of 78 percent reflects the rising demand for Pakistani professionals across international digital marketplaces and reinforces the country’s position as one of the leading global sources of freelance talent.
A major share of the earnings came from IT freelancers, who brought in more than $1.16 billion during FY26. This compares with $779 million earned in FY25, representing a year on year increase of 49 percent. The sector added approximately $385 million in additional export earnings over the previous fiscal year, reflecting sustained demand for software development, web development, digital marketing, graphic design, cloud services, artificial intelligence related projects, cybersecurity, and other technology based services offered by Pakistani professionals. The continued expansion of digital platforms, remote work opportunities, and increasing global reliance on skilled technology professionals have enabled freelancers from Pakistan to secure more international clients and diversify their service offerings. The latest figures also demonstrate the growing importance of the country’s technology talent in generating export revenue outside traditional software companies and technology firms.
Non IT freelancers also recorded exceptional growth during the fiscal year. Export earnings from this segment climbed to $592 million, compared with $205 million a year earlier. This represents an increase of 188 percent and an additional $387 million in export income. The non IT freelance segment includes professionals providing services such as content writing, translation, virtual assistance, consulting, accounting, education, creative media, business support, and various digital services to overseas clients. The sharp rise indicates that freelance opportunities have expanded well beyond technology related work, allowing professionals from diverse industries to participate in the global digital economy. As international businesses continue to outsource a wider range of services, Pakistani freelancers have been able to strengthen their presence across multiple sectors and contribute additional foreign exchange to the country’s economy. The performance of both IT and non IT freelancers highlights the increasing role of digital exports in Pakistan’s overall export landscape.
Commenting on the latest figures, Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin said freelancers are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening the national economy by bringing valuable foreign exchange into the country while also contributing to tax revenues. He noted that Pakistan’s freelancing industry has developed into one of the country’s major export sectors, with annual earnings now surpassing those of several traditional industries. According to Amin, Pakistani freelancers are improving their own livelihoods through their skills, experience, and dedication while also helping build a more productive, skilled, and digitally empowered workforce. Industry estimates indicate that Pakistan is home to nearly three million full time and part time freelancers, making it the fourth largest freelancing workforce in the world. The latest export figures further demonstrate the expanding contribution of freelance professionals to Pakistan’s digital economy and underline the sector’s growing importance in supporting employment, export diversification, and foreign exchange inflows.
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