Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said Pakistan’s expanding freelancing workforce could have an important role to play in the country’s economic future.
“Pakistan has almost 3 million full-time and part-time freelancers who earned more than $1.76 billion from digital services during the last financial year,” Hashmi said in a speech at the first National Recognition Ceremony held by the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA).
He said freelancers are an expanding segment of the Pakistan digital workforce and an important source of the country’s foreign exchange.
Digital growth driven by youth
The governor stated that Pakistan has a huge young population and it could play a significant role in economic growth if the young population was given current IT skills and entrepreneurial training and education according to market need.
He said the federal government was working with the Governor House on skills-development programs for the young people of Sindh. The efforts are geared toward improving employment prospects and fostering entrepreneurship among the youth.
Hashmi also referred to the government’s plan to increase IT exports from Pakistan to $25 billion by 2030. He called on the youth to equip themselves with skills in emerging technologies and get ready to compete in the global marketplaces.# Digital Youth Hub Opens Up New Opportunities
The Governor urged the youth to take advantage of the Digital Youth Hub developed under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.
The portal offers access to opportunities in education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.
Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Fahd Haroon said the government is backing initiatives to grow freelancing and increase youth participation in Pakistan’s burgeoning digital economy.
AI and cybersecurity skills become more important
Technology is transforming the face of work at a rapid pace, making skills such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity more desirable, stated Dr. Imran Batada, PAFLA President and CEO.
He also focused on the need to equip freelancers for new prospects as the worldwide demand for tech-based services is increasing.
On the occasion, Governor Hashmi handed shields to 45 Pakistani freelancers in appreciation of their international achievements and commitment to the country’s digital economy.
