Pakistani freelancers earned $175.439 million in foreign exchange during July 2026, marking a strong start to the new financial year. The figure was 45.5% higher than the $120.556 million recorded in July 2025, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data.
The increase means freelance exports grew by $54.883 million in one year. Both IT and non-IT services recorded higher earnings during the month, showing continued growth in Pakistan’s digital workforce.
IT services generated $106.778 million in July 2026, compared with $89.872 million a year earlier. Meanwhile, non-IT freelance services brought in $68.661 million, up sharply from $30.684 million in July 2025.
Ibrahim Amin, chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), said freelance exports had maintained steady growth. However, he said the sector would need growth of more than 50% in the coming months to deliver a major increase by the end of the financial year.
Amin also highlighted freelancing as an important income option for young people and students. He said freelancers need technical and soft skills, including communication, business development, and client management, to compete globally.
The government and private sector are also working to expand skills development programs for young people. These efforts aim to help more people gain the skills needed to enter Pakistan’s growing digital workforce.
PAFLA and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) have also introduced the country’s first-ever freelancers’ awards. The initiative will recognize freelancers’ contribution to the economy and encourage more young people to pursue digital work.
With freelance earnings already showing strong growth in the first month of FY2026-27, the sector could become an increasingly important source of foreign exchange. Sustaining this momentum will now be key to delivering stronger results by the end of the financial year.
