Pakistani freelancers generated $175.44 million in foreign exchange through freelance services during July 2026. The figure represents a 45.5 percent increase compared with the $120.56 million recorded in July 2025.
According to State Bank of Pakistan data, freelance export receipts rose by $54.88 million year-on-year. The increase came during the first month of fiscal year 2026-27. It also highlights the growing role of online workers in Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings.
IT Freelance Services Lead Growth
IT-related freelance services generated $106.78 million in July 2026.
The figure increased from $89.87 million during the same month last year.
Meanwhile, non-IT freelance services recorded a sharper increase during the period.
Non-IT freelance receipts reached $68.66 million in July. The figure more than doubled from $30.68 million recorded in July 2025.
The latest data shows that both IT and non-IT freelancers are contributing to the country’s expanding digital economy.
However, non-IT services recorded the stronger percentage growth during the month.
Freelance Sector Needs Sustained Growth
Ibrahim Amin, chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association, said freelance exports had maintained steady growth.
However, he stressed that the sector needs stronger momentum in the coming months.
According to Amin, freelance export receipts must grow by more than 50 percent during the coming months.
He said sustained growth would help the sector achieve a substantial increase by the end of the financial year.
Amin also highlighted freelancing as an important income opportunity for young people and students.
However, he said aspiring freelancers need relevant technical and soft skills to compete successfully on international platforms.
These skills include business development, communication and client management.
Skills Development Could Expand Digital Workforce
Amin said the government and private sector were working to expand skills development opportunities.
These efforts aim to help more young people and students enter Pakistan’s growing digital workforce.
Improving access to training could allow more workers to compete for international freelance projects.
At the same time, stronger professional skills could help freelancers build long-term relationships with overseas clients.
Pakistan’s growing freelance sector could therefore provide new opportunities for employment and foreign exchange generation.
New Freelancer Awards to Recognise Industry
Amin also highlighted a new initiative to recognise the contribution of Pakistani freelancers. For the first time, the Pakistan Freelancers Association and the Pakistan Software Export Board are introducing separate freelancer awards.
The awards could help recognise successful online workers and highlight their contribution to the economy.
According to Amin, such recognition could also encourage more young people to explore freelancing.
As Pakistan’s digital workforce continues to expand, freelance earnings could become an increasingly important source of foreign exchange.
The latest July figures show strong momentum, but maintaining that growth will remain crucial for the sector to make a larger contribution throughout fiscal year 2026-27.
