Pakistan has seen significant growth in freelancing over the past several years, largely due to the accessibility of the internet to people Many people in Pakistan have built their careers on freelancing. Freelancing is a flexible job and a way to earn a substantial income. However, despite its many advantages, Pakistani freelancers face many challenges that they have to overcome. In this aritical we have mentioned the challenges that hinder growth and success.
The Rise of Freelancing in Pakistan
Freelancing industry is becoming very popular in Pakistan, technology and internet facility is playing an important role in this industry, this industry is also gaining popularity globally. Due to this rising inflation, people especially from the IT sector opt for freelancing to increase their income and some people especially students also express their desire to make freelancing their career. And those who succeed in it give it full time. According to the data, between the current fiscal year 2021 and 2022, Pakistan received 397.03 million dollars in remittances. Government of Pakistan comes with many packages for freelancers like in 2023 government of Pakistan launched free laptop scheme for students which is very beneficial for a poor child who cannot buy a laptop. The main purpose of which was to grow the freelancing industry.
Challenges of Freelancers in Pakistan
Lack of Awareness and Training Facilities
When a person wants to take his first step in freelancing, the biggest challenge he faces is not knowing from which institution to get such and such training. Many people do not know how to learn freelancing. Which institute is good for them and how to apply. Lack of proper guidance and training often makes it difficult for them to complete these tasks. Like the Skillfull pakistan and digiskills Institute, which trains more than five lakh people in freelancing with in a year, these institutions help these children become freelancers. but people don’t know about the institute and how to get admission in them.
Limited Access to Technology
Access to high-speed internet and digital devices such as computers, laptops and smart phones is a major challenge for Pakistan freelancers. Many freelancers cannot afford laptops or the internet does not work properly in their areas. Freelancing hinders their ability to learn or secure and complete their jobs, leaving them behind in the global freelance market.
Time Zone
Pakistani freelancers face a lot of difficulties due to time zone change, they have to stay up all night to deal with the clients because the clients are mostly from foreign countries and if they don’t deal with their clients at the same time. If they do, they can lose their clients
Payment Methods
Due to non-availability of PayPal in Pakistan, freelancers face a lot of difficulties, which complicates the payment of freelancers, while alternatives like Skrill, Xoom and Payoneer are available but they often charge higher fees. PayPal is preferred If you find your client through a social media platform like Facebook and LinkedIn instead of a freelance platform, you may face difficulties in getting paid from your client. Since most clients in foreign countries use PayPal, you can send payments to your pioneer via PayPal, but your deductible will be higher. The government needs to make an individual effort to bring PayPal in Pakistan
Opportunities in the Freelancing Market
Pakistan is among the top 10 countries for freelancing, thanks to its large and young population eager to enter this field. With over 200 million people, 63% of whom are under 25, the demographic advantage offers significant opportunities for the growth of freelancing in Pakistan.
Popular freelancing platforms such as Freelancer.com, Upwork, and Fiverr provide numerous opportunities for Pakistani freelancers to connect with global clients. These platforms allow freelancers to create and submit profiles showcasing their skills and experience. After profile review and approval, freelancers can bid on projects and start earning. For example, Freelancer.com, one of the oldest and most trusted freelancing websites, has been benefiting the freelancing industry for decades. Upwork has over 12 million active freelancers, with nearly three million jobs posted annually, while Fiverr is frequented by almost every freelancer in Pakistan looking to make money online.
Roles of the Government and Private Sector
Realizing the full potential of freelancing requires concerted efforts by the government and the private sector. Key steps include:
Improvement of infrastructure
It is important to improve access to high-speed internet and digital devices across the country, especially in remote areas. The government should invest in improving internet infrastructure and providing cheap digital devices for freelancers.
Legal framework
Developing a supportive legal and regulatory framework that clarifies taxation and provides protections for freelancers is critical. The government should work on creating policies that protect the rights of freelancers and ensure their financial security.
Promotion of awareness and training
Initiatives like DigiSkills and skillful pakistan must be expanded to train more people in freelancing skills. These programs should be widely promoted to ensure maximum participation and awareness among potential freelancers.
Facilitating payments
Regulatory restrictions must be eased to allow platforms like PayPal to operate in Pakistan to streamline the payment process for freelancers. The government should engage in negotiations with PayPal and other payment platforms to address regulatory concerns and facilitate their entry into the Pakistani market.
Conclusion
Freelancing offers a promising path for employment and economic development in Pakistan. By addressing the challenges and leveraging opportunities, Pakistan can establish itself as a leading freelance market globally. The key lies in creating a transparent governance model, inclusive policies, and providing international market access for freelancers. With the right support and infrastructure, freelancing can play a significant role in the country’s economy and provide a viable career path for its youth.