Tech Desk 
Aug 06, 2025
Stakeholders of Pakistan’s IT industry and freelancer community are lobbying the government to create a dedicated regulatory cell to assist tech businesses and remote workers, especially as it relates to data collection, export maximisation, and formalising the digital economy.
The issue was discussed in the IT and freelancers working group meeting, which was chaired by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, at the direction of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and attended by several important government officials, including the SBP Governor, FBR Chairperson, and others in the sector.
Pakistan’s freelance and IT sector is growing at an impressive rate, employing software developers, digital marketers, designers, and remote tech support for international clients.
However, the participants reported that poor access to accurate data and lack of formal support are hampering that potential. The group proposed creating an accurate repository of data pertaining to software companies, it exports, and freelancer earnings/revenues to help substantiate further policy development in more grounded documents.
They also proposed changes to the R Form at the State Bank of Pakistan to help with tracking IT exports and allow for business analytics.
Universities could help to source more IT graduates, and create a database of the graduate skill sets, to meet market demand for more accurate required skills.
The regulatory cell would promote business growth, support freelancers and companies, and attract foreign remittances through official channels. It could also offer free training, mentorship, and co-working spaces, alongside incentives like laptop schemes and verified credits for remittances.
The group included PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin, who said Pakistan could earn more through freelance remittances if policy challenges are addressed. He also urged the government to offer tax benefits and incentives similar to those provided under the Roshan Digital Account.
