Pakistan’s Freelancing Sector Expected to Cross $2.5 Billion in Earnings
KARACHI: Pakistan’s rapidly growing freelancing sector is expected to generate more than $2.5 billion in export earnings during the current fiscal year, according to the Pakistan Freelancers Association.
Association Chairman and Founder Ibrahim Amin said Pakistan has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest emerging freelancing market, with freelance export earnings continuing to grow.
According to Amin, Pakistani freelancers earned $1.76 billion in export revenue during the previous fiscal year, while earnings stood at around $17 million in July, the first month of the current fiscal year.
The government is set to recognize the sector’s performance at an event on August 29 at Governor House Karachi, where Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja is expected to participate.
Amin also urged the government to reconsider the 5% tax on educational platforms operating on YouTube, arguing that educational and entertainment content should not be treated under the same tax category. He called for educational platforms to either be exempted or taxed at a reduced rate of 1%.
He said Pakistan now has more than three million freelancers, adding that supportive policies, better digital infrastructure and increased opportunities could further boost IT-enabled exports.
YouTube Premium Subscription Prices Set to Rise
Meanwhile, Google is increasing YouTube Premium subscription prices in several countries from September 23, 2026. The revised charges will apply from subscribers’ next billing cycle.
In some European markets, the individual plan is reportedly increasing from €13.99 to €15.99 per month, while Finland’s price will rise from €14.99 to €16.99.
In Romania, the monthly individual subscription will increase from 29 to 32 Romanian lei. Singapore will also see price increases, with the individual plan rising from S$13.98 to S$15.98, while the family plan will increase from S$27.98 to S$31.98.
Google is introducing the revised prices gradually across different markets rather than applying a worldwide increase simultaneously.
