KARACHI: The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) will hold the country’s first-ever freelancers’ awards ceremony on August 29 at Governor House Sindh to acknowledge the achievements of Pakistani freelancers and their contribution to foreign exchange earnings.
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 working in different categories will be recognised for exceptional performance, professional achievements and contribution to the national economy through foreign exchange generation. A separate category has also been introduced to honour female freelancers.
PAFLA Chairman and Founder Ibrahim Amin said freelancers had played an important role in supporting Pakistan’s economy and improving its macroeconomic indicators, adding that their work deserved acknowledgement 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 it as a reflection of their talent, commitment and increasing role in 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 several 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’s 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 consistent efforts, hard work and resilience.
He said the PAFLA Freelancers Awards were an important step towards bringing Pakistan’s fast-growing digital workforce together on a national platform and showcasing opportunities 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 for the awards comprises Azam Mughal, CEO and Founder of ComplySec; Muhammad Zohaib Khan, former chairman of 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 of Zindigi; Rizwan Jaffer, Founder and Chairman of Made in Pakistan Corporate Club and Youth Parliament; Shah Abdullah Raza, Group Chief Information Officer at Alkaram Textiles; Syed Sohaib Shams, Head of Technology at EFU Life Assurance; Mehzad Sahr, Group Head Infosec at Engro Group; and Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director at NIC Karachi.
