Pakistan’s freelancers bring in $549mn in 1QFY27

Pakistan’s freelance workers generated $549mn in foreign exchange in July-September, the first quarter of FY27, up 45% from $377.3mn a year earlier, according to State Bank of Pakistan data cited by Mettis Global. The increase was about $172mn. IT-related services accounted for $333mn, compared with $215mn from non-IT work.

Non-IT receipts rose 106% year on year from $104mn, while IT-related earnings increased around 22% from $272mn. The report says Pakistan has an estimated three million freelancers and describes content writing, online teaching and e-commerce among non-IT activities. Pakistan Freelancers Association chairman Ibrahim Amin said skills, communication and business development gaps limit workers’ ability to capture global opportunities, and called for joint government and private-sector training efforts. Industry voices also urged a longer-term plan and technology-focused education to expand the workforce and improve its competitiveness.