Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), the leading national body representing freelancers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Innovista, a national initiative dedicated to providing collaborative workspaces and innovative platforms. This collaboration aims to empower more than 50,000 freelancers annually across Pakistan through capacity building, enhanced digital infrastructure, and business collaboration opportunities. The partnership is set to transform the freelance ecosystem and strengthen the role freelancers play in Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed in Islamabad by PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin and Innovista CEO Hisham Sarwar. The partnership will focus on launching joint initiatives and events aimed at equipping freelancers, particularly the youth, with vital digital skills, knowledge, and resources. The goal is to create an environment where freelancers can thrive, earn sustainably, and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s economy.
Ibrahim Amin highlighted the increasing significance of freelancers in Pakistan’s economy, stating that freelancers now contribute over $500 million in foreign exchange earnings annually. He emphasized that freelancers are no longer peripheral participants but have become central to the country’s digital economic growth. This collaboration with Innovista aligns with PAFLA’s mission to advocate for policy reforms that formally recognize freelancers’ contributions and provide them with necessary infrastructure and support comparable to traditional sectors.
Pakistan has rapidly emerged as one of the top five countries worldwide contributing to the global gig workforce, with around 2.37 million freelancers actively engaged. PAFLA has successfully registered over 100,000 freelancers across the country and has organized numerous seminars and training sessions, including collaborations with global tech giants like Google. The association is committed to expanding its reach and influence to further uplift Pakistan’s freelance community.
Hisham Sarwar, CEO of Innovista, explained that the partnership will focus on providing freelancers with comprehensive training, access to technology, financial literacy programs, and connections to international clients. Innovista aims to unlock the full potential of Pakistani freelancers, thereby improving their employability and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player on the global freelancing stage.
Innovista plans to leverage its digital tools, learning platforms, and community engagement efforts to create an inclusive ecosystem, particularly targeting women and youth from underserved areas. By collaborating with PAFLA, Innovista seeks to build a robust freelance landscape where individuals not only generate income but also contribute to economic development in their communities. The partnership emphasizes skilling, scaling, and supporting freelancers for sustainable growth.
Key initiatives under this partnership include nationwide freelancers’ training bootcamps, access to co-working and co-learning spaces at Innovista facilities, awareness campaigns on freelancing rights, taxation, and global freelancing platforms. Additionally, the collaboration will facilitate the onboarding of freelancers onto Innovista’s network, providing them with a comprehensive support system and opportunities to grow their freelance careers.
As Pakistan’s freelance workforce continues to expand, the PAFLA-Innovista alliance promises to deliver much-needed infrastructure, policy advocacy, and skill development. This partnership is poised to play a crucial role in empowering freelancers and shaping the future of Pakistan’s digital economy.
