Pakistan Launches Task Force to Boost IT Exports & Empower Freelancers

Govt Deploys Task Force to Facilitate IT Industry and Freelancers

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has launched a significant initiative: a new task force dedicated to boosting Pakistan’s IT industry and empowering its vast community of freelancers. This strategic move, focused on “Industry Data Collection,” aims to streamline support, enhance export income, and unlock the nation’s digital potential.

The Task Force’s Ambitious Mission

This newly formed body is set to tackle several critical areas, with a clear vision for growth:

* **Precise Data Mapping**: For the first time, a digital map will be created to track freelancers, remote workers, and software companies. This will include their credentials, earnings, export potential, and global presence, providing crucial insights into the sector.
* **Streamlining Growth with a Digital Economy Cell**: A dedicated cell will focus on simplifying marketing efforts, facilitating international client outreach, and cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that often hinders Pakistan’s tech talent.
* **Ensuring Tax Fairness and Boosting Dollar Inflows**: The task force will work to differentiate between freelancers and remote workers, aiming to clarify tax policies, end existing confusion, and create incentives for official foreign currency remittances into the country.
* **Revolutionizing Talent Development**: A robust program is planned to upskill professionals, offering free training, access to co-working hubs, mentorship opportunities, and zero-cost certifications, all designed to produce globally competitive digital experts.
* **Rewarding Top Performers**: New Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be introduced to recognize and reward top IT exporters, with the ultimate goal of significantly improving Pakistan’s position in global IT export rankings.

Concrete Steps Towards Empowerment

Beyond policy, the ministry is actively planning tangible support for IT companies and freelancers. This includes organizing marketing events in various cities and countries to expand their reach. Capacity building initiatives are also central to the plan, with offerings such as free training, valuable mentorship content, workshops, schemes for providing laptops, and establishing accessible co-working spaces.

Incentives for Economic Contribution

IT companies and freelancers stand to benefit from additional annual incentives. Notably, free credits will be provided for those who channel their foreign earnings officially through verified data, further encouraging transparent financial practices.

A Vision for Pakistan’s Digital Future

Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association, expressed strong optimism, stating, “This task force will give Pakistan’s digital economy the radar it needs to navigate, scale, and lead globally.” He highlighted that despite 2.37 million freelancers already contributing to the global digital economy, Pakistan’s tech industry has historically lacked precise data, structured policies, and aggressive enablement. Amin believes that “If executed with precision, this data-powered revolution could double IT exports within 5 years, elevate Pakistan to the top 5 freelance markets globally, and inject billions of dollars into the national economy.”

Meet the Driving Force

Formed under the direct instructions of the Prime Minister and chaired by the Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, the working group comprises influential figures:

* Jamil Ahmed, Governor State Bank of Pakistan
* Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue
* Ibrahim Amin, Chairman Pakistan Freelancers Association
* Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary, Ministry of IT & Telecom
* Abu Bakar, CEO PSEB
* Asif Peer, CEO, Systems Ltd
* Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO IGNITE

Key Recommendations for Sustained Growth

The working group has also put forth crucial recommendations to the government:

* **Extend Tax Exemptions**: A highly sought-after demand is to extend the tax exemption for the IT industry and the freelancers’ community, which is currently set to expire next year.
* **Incentives for Foreign Exchange**: The group recommended providing incentives to IT exporters and freelancers similar to those offered through Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA). This aims to further attract foreign exchange into the country via proper banking channels, strengthening the national economy.