Pakistan ranks now third among world’s top freelancing countries

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Pakistan has officially emerged as the third-largest freelancing population in the world, a milestone that highlights the country’s growing digital workforce and youth-driven economy. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb shared this encouraging outlook while speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, stressing that education, skills, and training are now central to Pakistan’s economic progress.

According to Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s young population is its biggest strength, and the government is actively investing in skill-based education to turn this demographic advantage into long-term economic growth.

How Pakistan Became Third-Largest Freelancing Hub

The finance minister said that a majority of Pakistan’s population consists of young people, many of whom are already contributing to the economy through freelancing, IT services, and digital platforms. He noted that Pakistan’s freelancers are earning foreign exchange, supporting families, and strengthening the country’s balance of payments.

Technical training and IT skills boost economic stability

“Pakistan’s youth can become the most powerful economic force of the world,” Aurangzeb said, adding that the government is prioritizing

• Technical training

• IT skills

• Market-relevant education to assist young people in competing globally

Read more: Punjab launches IT and digital skills program to empower 27,000 rural women

Pakistan’s rise as a freelancing hub is closely linked to platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, where Pakistani professionals are offering various services such as

• Software development

• Graphic design

• Digital marketing

• Content writing

• Artificial intelligence

Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Growth

Aurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan is moving away from traditional public financing toward a public-private partnership model, which he described as essential for sustainable and inclusive economic development.

He said collaboration between government institutions, private companies, and educational organizations can help scale training programs, create job opportunities, and align skills with market demand—especially in the digital and freelancing economy.

This shift, he added, will not only reduce pressure on public finances but also encourage innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.

Read more: Govt launches free 3-6 month professional courses for children of overseas Pakistanis

Empowering Women in Pakistan’s Workforce

Highlighting the importance of inclusion, the finance minister said special focus is being given to women’s participation in the workforce, particularly in freelancing and remote work.

He noted that freelancing offers women flexible earning opportunities from home, assisting in

• Increasing female labor force participation

• Improving household incomes

• Promoting economic independence

“Women are a vital part of Pakistan’s economic future,” Aurangzeb said, adding that targeted training programs for young women are being expanded across the nation to make them financially empowered.

A Digital Path Forward for Pakistan

With the right investments in education, skills training, and digital infrastructure, Pakistan is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a global freelancing powerhouse.

Furthermore, the finance minister summarized that empowering youth and women through freelancing is not just an economic strategy, but it is considered to be a pathway toward long-term national development.