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.
The ceremony will acknowledge the role of freelancers in generating valuable foreign exchange for the country. Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi will attend the event as chief guest, while Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima will be the guest of honour.
According to the organisers, freelancers from various categories will be recognised for their exceptional performance, professional achievements and contribution to Pakistan’s economy through foreign exchange generation. A separate category has also been introduced to recognise the achievements of female freelancers.
PAFLA Chairman and Founder 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 State Bank of Pakistan governor Dr Ishrat Hussain, IoBM President Talib Kari, NiFT CEO Javed Edhi, former P@SHA president Jehan Ara, UIT University Vice Chancellor Prof Vali Uddin, Rehan Foundation founder Rehan Allahwala, Xeven Solutions CEO Irfan Malik and CEOs of leading commercial banks.
PAFLA President and CEO 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 for the awards are Azam Mughal, CEO and Founder of ComplySec; Muhammad Zohaib Khan, former chairman P@SHA; Imran Ali Dina, founder of GFX Mentor; Javed Yousuf Edhi, CEO of NIFT; Nabhan Karim, Head of Marketing and Communications at IoBM; Nadia Patel Ganjjee, Founder and CEO of Femprow – Sheops and business consultant; Noman Azhar, Co-Founder and Chief Officer, Zindigi; Rizwan Jaffer, Founder and Chairman of Made in Pakistan Corporate Club and 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.
