Pakistani freelancers had their best year ever in 2025-26. New State Bank of Pakistan figures show that freelance earnings almost doubled, and most of that money came from clients in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and the Gulf. Here is what the numbers say, and what they mean for young people in Bannu.
Pakistan’s freelancing earnings: FY2025-26
| Measure | FY2024-25 | FY2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Total freelancer earnings | $984 million | $1.76 billion (+78%) |
| IT freelancers | — | $1.16 billion |
| Non-IT freelancers (design, writing, marketing, admin) | — | $592 million |
| Pakistan’s total IT exports | $3.81 billion | $4.6 billion (+21%) |
Pakistan is estimated to have about 2.5 to 3 million freelancers. Reporting in Arab News, which quotes government adviser Khurram Schehzad, puts average earnings per freelancer at about $53 a month in 2026, up from about $12 in 2021. The average is still low, which shows the gap between beginners and skilled freelancers. Those with strong skills and good portfolios earn many times more.
Where does the money come from?
Payoneer, one of the main payment platforms used by Pakistani freelancers, names the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Gulf (GCC) markets as the main buyers of Pakistani digital services. No official breakdown by country is published. But the US and UK are the largest client markets on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr, and they pay in strong currencies.
Most in-demand freelance skills
- web and app development
- graphic design and branding
- digital marketing, SEO and social media management
- video editing
- e-commerce store management (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy)
- AI automation and virtual assistance
E-commerce services: the next big opportunity
McKinsey’s research shows e-commerce grew by about ten years’ worth in a few months during 2020, and it now expects AI shopping agents to drive $3–5 trillion of global retail by 2030. Every new online store in the US or UK needs listings, product design, ads and customer support, and that work can be done from Pakistan. Pakistani freelancers who manage stores, design digital products or run ads for foreign sellers are part of this growth.
The opportunity is real, but it rewards skill. Freelancers with proven, practical skills and a portfolio earn far above the national average.
How to start freelancing from Bannu
- Learn one paid skill properly. Choose design, marketing, e-commerce or development.
- Build a portfolio of real projects before applying for work.
- Set up your profiles and payments (Upwork, Fiverr, Payoneer or bank).
- Use AI to work faster, without giving up quality.
Javeria Institute of IT teaches these exact skills: Graphic Design × AI, Digital Marketing, E-Commerce & Digital Products and AI & Freelancing for Teens. Our teachers work on real international projects through Javeria Tech & Sols.
WhatsApp 0345 9792421 or visit us in Bannu, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.