KARACHI: The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) will organise the country’s first-ever freelancers’ awards ceremony on August 29 at Governor House Sindh to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of Pakistani freelancers and their role in generating valuable foreign exchange for the country.
Governor Sindh Nehal Hashmi will attend the ceremony as the chief guest, while Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima will be the guest of honor.
According to the organisers, freelancers from various categories will be recognised for their exceptional performance, professional achievements and contribution to Pakistan’s economy through the generation of foreign exchange. A separate category has also been introduced to recognise the achievements of female freelancers.
Chairman and Founder of PAFLA Ibrahim Amin said freelancers had played a significant role in supporting Pakistan’s economy and strengthening its macroeconomic indicators, adding that their contribution deserved recognition at the national level.
“The contribution of freelancers to Pakistan’s economy has grown significantly over the years. Their dedication, skills and resilience have enabled them to generate substantial foreign exchange for the country despite multiple issues and challenges,” he said.
He said around three million Pakistani freelancers generated $1.7 billion in foreign exchange during the financial year 2025-26, describing the achievement as a reflection of their talent, commitment and growing contribution to the country’s digital economy.
“The PAFLA Awards are aimed at recognising these unsung heroes and providing them with a platform where their achievements can be acknowledged and celebrated. Such recognition will also encourage more young people to acquire digital skills and pursue freelancing as a career,” he added.
The ceremony will be attended by prominent personalities including former governor State Bank of Pakistan Dr Ishrat Hussain, Talib Kari President IoBM, Javed Edhi CEO NiFT, Jehan Ara, former President P@SHA, Prof Vali Uddin, Vice Chancellor UIT University, Rehan Allahwala, Foundation Rehan Foundation, Irfan Malik, CEO Xeven Solutions and CEOS of leading commercial banks.
President and CEO of PAFLA Dr Imran Batada said freelancers were the “unsung heroes” of Pakistan who had made a valuable contribution to the national economy through their consistent efforts, hard work and resilience.
He said the PAFLA Freelancers Awards represented an important step towards bringing Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital workforce together on a national platform and highlighting the opportunities available in the global gig economy.
“The recognition of freelancers will not only honour their achievements but will also inspire students and young professionals to acquire skills in high-demand fields and explore freelancing as a sustainable career,” Dr Batada said.
The jury members of the awards are Azam Mughal, CEO & Founder–ComplySec; Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Former Chairman P@SHA, Imran Ali Dina, Founder – GFX Mentor; Javed Yousuf Edhi, CEO – NIFT; Nabhan Karim, Head of Marketing & Communications at IoBM; Nadia Patel Ganjjee, Founder & CEO – Femprow – Sheops, Business Consultant; Noman Azhar, Co-Founder & Chief Officer, Zindigi; Rizwan Jaffer, Founder & Chairman – Made in Pakistan Corporate Club & Youth Parliament; Shah Abdullah Raza, Group Chief Information Officer – Alkaram Textiles; Syed Sohaib Shams, Head of Technology – EFU Life Assurance; Mehzad Sahr, Group Head Infosec – Engro Group; and Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director – NIC Karachi.