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Pakistan has emerged among the world’s top three freelancer-providing countries, contributing nearly 3 million professionals, equivalent to 12.5% of the global freelance workforce, according to PTA insights.
Despite its scale, the report warns that 23% of Pakistani freelancers are engaged in low-paid segments, putting them at risk of displacement by automation.
Pakistan’s freelancers earn an average of $4 per hour, considerably lower than the global average of $28 per hour, highlighting the need for skill upgradation and export-competitive specialisation.
Gender imbalance persists, with 79% male workers compared to 21% female freelancers, underscoring structural and social barriers for women entering the digital economy.
Pakistan recorded $4 million in freelance inflows in the current fiscal year, primarily driven by workers based in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
A breakdown of freelance verticals shows:
- Software development: 38.2%
- Creative and multimedia: 31.2%
- Sales/marketing support: 17%
- Data entry: 8.7%
- Smaller shares from writing, clerical, and professional services.
The PTA noted that Pakistan’s youthful talent pool gives the country a competitive digital edge but stressed the urgent need for better financial inclusion, payment solutions, and training pathways.
In a major step to empower Pakistan’s digital workforce, the government previously announced the National Co-Working Space Program (NCSP). This initiative aimed to strengthen the freelancing ecosystem and promote entrepreneurship among youth and startups.
