Karachi: Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has said that Pakistani freelancers are an emerging digital workforce, playing an important role in the national economy, earning valuable foreign exchange and projecting a positive image of Pakistan around the world.
He expressed these views while addressing the first National Recognition Ceremony organised by the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) as Chief Guest.
The Governor Sindh said Pakistan’s large youth population could play a key role in the country’s future and socio-economic development. He stressed the need to equip young people with quality education, modern IT skills, entrepreneurship and market-oriented training.
He said the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Governor House, has launched various skill-development initiatives for the youth of Sindh to provide them with modern, market-relevant skills and better employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Governor Nehal Hashmi said Pakistan has nearly 3 million full-time and part-time freelancers, while Pakistani freelancers earned more than US$1.76 billion through their digital services during the last financial year. He said the digital economy offers enormous opportunities for Pakistani youth and urged them to develop their skills in line with modern technologies and compete in the global marketplace.
The Governor Sindh said that the Prime Minister’s vision is to increase Pakistan’s IT exports to US$25 billion by 2030. Addressing the young participants, he asked whether they would play their part in turning this vision into reality. In response to his call, the youth present at the ceremony raised their hands and pledged to contribute towards achieving the target.
He further said that the Digital Youth Hub has been launched under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, offering young people opportunities related to education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship and other areas. He urged the youth to benefit from these opportunities and prepare themselves for the future digital economy.
Minister of State/Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Fahd Haroon said the government was providing maximum support and facilities to make young people an active part of the digital economy and promote freelancing.
Coordinator Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Sindh Dr. Fahad Shafiq said efforts were underway to equip young people with modern digital and market-oriented skills and create more employment and freelancing opportunities for them.
Chairman PAFLA Ibrahim Amin said Pakistani freelancers were among the country’s “silent heroes”, making a consistent contribution to exports and foreign exchange earnings.
President and CEO PAFLA Dr. Imran Batada said that in the era of artificial intelligence, existing experience and skills alone would not guarantee future success. He stressed the need for youth to acquire expertise in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity and other emerging fields.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures from the IT industry, digital economy, education and business sectors.
During the ceremony, Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi presented shields to 45 outstanding Pakistani freelancers in recognition of their achievements, international services and contribution to Pakistan’s digital economy. The recipients included Sajid Jameel, Khadija Shehzad, Waqar, Zeeshan and others.
Other speakers also appreciated the capabilities of Pakistani youth and emphasised the need to further promote freelancing and connect young Pakistanis with the global digital marketplace.