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Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has described Pakistani freelancers as an emerging workforce with a growing role in the national economy.
Speaking at the first National Recognition Ceremony organised by the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), Hashmi said freelancers were earning valuable foreign exchange for the country.
He also said their work was helping project a positive image of Pakistan in international markets.
Pakistan has a large and young population. According to Hashmi, this gives the country an opportunity to strengthen its economy through digital skills and entrepreneurship.
However, young people need the right training to compete in a fast-changing global market.
For this reason, the governor stressed the importance of quality education, modern IT skills and market-focused training.
He said the federal government and Governor House had launched several programmes to support youth in Sindh.
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These initiatives aim to improve employment prospects and encourage entrepreneurship.
Hashmi said Pakistan has nearly 3 million full-time and part-time freelancers.
During the last financial year, Pakistani freelancers earned more than $1.76 billion through digital services.
The governor said these earnings showed the growing importance of the digital economy.
Moreover, he urged young professionals to keep upgrading their skills as technology continues to change.
Artificial intelligence, automation and other digital tools are creating new opportunities across international markets.
Hashmi also highlighted the prime minister’s target of increasing Pakistan’s IT exports to $25 billion by 2030.
Addressing young participants, he asked whether they would help turn the target into reality.
In response, participants raised their hands and pledged to contribute to the country’s digital economy.
The governor encouraged them to use available training and employment programmes to develop their careers.
Hashmi also spoke about the Digital Youth Hub, launched under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
The platform provides opportunities in education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.
Young people can use these opportunities to prepare for the demands of the future digital economy.
Meanwhile, Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Fahd Haroon said the government was providing support to help youth become active participants in the digital sector.
Dr Fahad Shafiq, Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in Sindh, said further efforts were underway to provide modern and market-oriented skills.
PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin described Pakistani freelancers as the country’s “silent heroes”.
He said freelancers were making a consistent contribution to exports and foreign exchange earnings.
PAFLA President and CEO Dr Imran Batada also stressed the need for new skills.
He said traditional experience alone may not guarantee success in the future.
Instead, young professionals should develop expertise in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.
Such skills can help Pakistani workers compete for opportunities in international markets.
The ceremony brought together representatives from the IT, education, business and digital sectors.
During the event, Governor Nehal Hashmi presented shields to 45 outstanding Pakistani freelancers.
The awards recognised their professional achievements and contribution to Pakistan’s digital economy.
Among the recipients were Sajid Jameel, Khadija Shehzad, Waqar and Zeeshan.
Other speakers also praised the abilities of Pakistani youth.
They called for more initiatives to connect young professionals with the global digital marketplace.
The event highlighted the growing role of freelancing as Pakistan seeks to expand its digital economy and increase technology-driven exports.
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