Pakistani Freelancers’ Export Earnings Surge 80% to $1.6 Billion

Pakistani freelancers have generated a historic $1.6 billion in export earnings in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, marking an 80 percent increase and a significant boost to the digital economy.

According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), foreign exchange receipts from freelancers in the IT and related sectors surpassed $1 billion, a 41% year-on-year growth. An additional $533 million was earned by non-IT freelancers. In May 2026 alone, freelancer export income reached $169 million, an 87% increase compared to the same month last year.

The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) lauded the government’s decision to retain the 0.25% Final Tax Regime, which supports the country’s nearly three million freelancers. However, PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin called for the abolition of a newly imposed 5% tax on content creators, arguing that they contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

He also urged the government to ensure the availability of high-speed internet and uninterrupted electricity to further unlock the potential of the freelancing sector.