Pakistani Freelancers Earn Record $197 Million in September 2026
Pakistani freelancers’ earnings hit a record $197 million in September 2026, the highest monthly figure on record. Earnings were up 49% from…
Pakistani freelancers’ earnings hit a record $197 million in September 2026, the highest monthly figure on record. Earnings were up 49% from September 2025 and 11% from August, according to figures shared by Khurram Schehzad, adviser to the finance minister. In July–September, the first quarter of FY27, freelancers earned about $550 million, up 46% year on year.
Pakistani freelancers earnings: the numbers
| Period | Earnings | Change |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | $175.44 million | – |
| July–August 2026 | About $352 million | – |
| September 2026 | $197 million (record) | +49% YoY, +11% MoM |
| Q1 FY27 (Jul–Sep) | About $550 million | +46% YoY |
| FY26 (full year) | $1.76 billion | +78% vs FY25 |
Sources: State Bank of Pakistan data shared by the finance adviser, reported by ProPakistani, Daily Times and Business Recorder (FY26 data).
IT exports also strong
Pakistan’s IT exports rose 19% year on year to $435 million in September 2026, the second-highest monthly level on record, according to SBP data. Freelance receipts are a significant part of IT and services exports.
How fast is freelancing growing?
| Fiscal year | Freelance earnings |
|---|---|
| FY23 | $364 million |
| FY24 | $505 million |
| FY25 | $984 million |
| FY26 | $1.76 billion |
Non-IT freelancing, such as design, content, marketing and business support, grew fastest in FY26, rising 188% to $592 million. Industry estimates put Pakistan’s freelance workforce at close to three million people.
What it means for freelancers
Receiving payments through formal banking channels counts toward these official figures and can help with tax and banking records. Reliable internet remains the biggest concern for freelancers; see our PTCL vs StormFiber comparison and digital banks in Pakistan guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Pakistani freelancers earn in September 2026?
A record $197 million.
How much did freelancers earn in FY26?
$1.76 billion, up 78% from FY25.
Featured image: AI-generated illustration, for representation only.
