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The Prime Minister’s Digital Hub, a flagship initiative aimed at digital transformation and youth empowerment, has announced an expansion of its scope to include freelancers and remote workers as a strategic part of Pakistan’s growing digital workforce.
Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, recently met with Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), Ibrahim Amin, in Islamabad to explore collaborative opportunities for scaling up support to freelancers across the country.
e-Rozgar Centers to Rise to 250 Across Pakistan
During the meeting, Chairman Rana Mashhood shared the government’s ambitious plan to establish 250 e-Rozgar Centers nationwide, aiming to build an ecosystem that fosters skill development and economic inclusion.
“These centers are designed to support every segment of the skilled workforce — from blue-collar professionals to digital experts and freelancers,” said Khan.
These centers will provide co-working spaces, internet facilities, training in high-demand skills, and mentorship opportunities to enable young Pakistanis to secure remote jobs, freelance contracts, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Digital Youth Hub: Connecting Youth to Work and Opportunity
The broader vision of the PM Digital Hub is encapsulated in the Digital Youth Hub — an initiative developed in collaboration between the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) and UNICEF. The Hub aims to empower youth by connecting them with jobs, education, entrepreneurship programs, and personal development resources.
By extending this platform to the freelance economy, the government hopes to tap into one of Pakistan’s most dynamic sectors — one that has already proven to generate significant revenue, foreign exchange, and global recognition.
PAFLA Highlights Freelancers’ Economic Contribution
PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin provided valuable insight into Pakistan’s rapidly growing freelancing economy, emphasizing the need for structured support from policymakers. He noted that:
- Over 2.3 million freelancers are currently active in Pakistan.
- The freelance sector contributes over $500 million annually in foreign exchange.
- There is strong potential to double both the number of freelancers and their earnings through public-private partnerships and better facilitation.
“Freelancers are not just workers — they are entrepreneurs, educators, and economic contributors. With the right support, Pakistan can lead the region in digital labor exports,” said Amin.
Call for International Payment Gateways and Banking Incentives
A major challenge highlighted in the meeting was the lack of efficient international payment gateways in Pakistan — a longstanding issue that hampers the full potential of freelance earnings.
Ibrahim Amin urged government authorities to:
- Introduce global payment platforms such as PayPal and Stripe.
- Improve banking services for freelancers to receive and manage international payments with minimal friction.
- Offer incentives through commercial banks to promote a cashless and transparent digital economy.
These policy interventions, he argued, would not only support freelancers but also increase tax compliance, strengthen financial inclusion, and boost foreign exchange reserves.
Government Institutions Join the Conversation
The meeting was attended by senior officials from relevant digital and IT bodies, including:
- Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)
- Ignite – National Technology Fund
- Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication
- Universal Service Fund (USF)
These agencies are expected to play key roles in implementing training programs, digital infrastructure, and innovation pipelines that will enhance the freelancing and remote work ecosystem in Pakistan.
Strategic Shift Toward Digital Workforce Development
This initiative marks a strategic shift in government thinking, recognizing the importance of non-traditional employment models in a changing global economy.
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The PM Digital Hub’s collaboration with PAFLA aligns with international best practices where governments are increasingly treating freelancers and gig workers as a formal segment of the workforce, deserving of policy protection, training access, and financial facilitation.
