Pakistani freelancers log over $175m in July

August 19, 2026 (MLN):  Pakistani freelancers generated more than $175 million in foreign exchange during July 2026, the first month of the current financial year.

Export receipts from freelance services rose to $175.439 million in July 2026, compared with $120.556 million in the same month last year, an increase of $54.883 million, or around 45.5%, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The break-up showed IT services contributed $106.778 million to freelance earnings during the month, up from $89.872 million a year earlier, while non-IT services generated $68.661 million against $30.684 million in July 2025.

Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Ibrahim Amin said that freelance export receipts had maintained a steady growth trajectory, though he noted the sector would need to sustain growth of more than 50% in the coming months to post a substantial increase by the close of the financial year, according to a press release issued.

He said freelancing remained one of the best avenues for young people and students to earn online, adding that they would need to build in-demand technical and soft skills, including business development, communication and client management, to compete on international freelancing platforms.

Ibrahim Amin said the government and private sector had been working together to expand skills development opportunities for young people, helping them acquire the relevant expertise to enter the digital workforce.

He further noted that the first-ever freelancers' awards, jointly instituted by PAFLA and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), would help recognise freelancers' contribution to the economy and encourage more young people to explore opportunities in the digital space.

He added that such initiatives were expected to motivate students and young professionals to take up freelancing and other forms of online work as sustainable income sources, while also strengthening the country's foreign exchange earnings.

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