Key leaders in Pakistan’s IT industry and freelance community have called on the government to establish a dedicated regulatory cell to monitor and advance the country’s digital economy. The suggestion was made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, chaired by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, as part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and economic growth plan.
The meeting brought together top officials, including the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, and prominent figures from leading technology organizations. The central focus of the discussion was how tailored regulatory support could help boost IT sector growth, upskill workers, and expand digital exports from Pakistan.
A key proposal was the creation of a regulatory mechanism to gather detailed and reliable data on software companies and freelancers. Participants argued that having structured data on company size, export volumes, tax contributions, and global market participation is essential for drafting effective policies and evaluating the success of government initiatives.
The group also highlighted the importance of better understanding Pakistan’s rapidly expanding freelance economy. They recommended systematic tracking of freelancers’ earnings, skills, the nature of services provided, certifications, and their locations. Access to such information would support the development of inclusive policies, particularly for remote workers outside the traditional technology hubs.
To improve financial transparency and ease administrative burdens, the working group proposed updates to the State Bank of Pakistan’s R Form, which is used for foreign currency transactions. A modernized, simpler version of the form could give authorities clearer insight into cross-border earnings, making processes more efficient for both freelancers and IT firms.
This call for a specialized regulatory body signals a broader shift in Pakistan’s approach to digital transformation. Enhanced oversight and robust data collection are seen as key to developing flexible and effective policies that can respond to the evolving needs of industry stakeholders and competitiveness in global markets.
