ISLAMABAD, June 14 (ABC): Pakistan’s flagship digital skills programme DigiSkills conducted more than 5.14 million trainings during July-March FY2025-26. The initiative strengthened the country’s digital workforce and supported the growth of freelancing, IT services and online entrepreneurship.
According to official data available with Wealth Pakistan, DigiSkills remains one of the largest digital skills development programmes in the country. It has expanded access to technology-related education for people from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Digital skills boost workforce participation
The programme has helped thousands of Pakistanis enter the digital economy. It offers opportunities in freelancing, remote work, entrepreneurship and online employment.
The report notes that DigiSkills has played an important role in the growth of Pakistan’s freelancing sector. Freelancing has become a significant source of export earnings and employment opportunities.
Freelancers trained under the programme earned about $1.65 billion during July-March FY2025-26. This contribution strengthened foreign exchange inflows and highlighted the programme’s economic impact.
The trainee base included 70 percent men and 30 percent women. More than 61,754 overseas Pakistanis also received training through the programme.
Wide range of market-oriented courses
DigiSkills was launched to meet the rising demand for digital skills in local and international markets. Participants receive practical training in several technology-related fields.
The programme offers courses in freelancing, digital marketing, graphic design, web development, search engine optimization, e-commerce management, content creation and virtual assistance. It also covers other technology-driven professions.
Digital economy records strong growth
The programme continues to expand as Pakistan’s digital economy gains momentum.
ICT export remittances increased by 19.7 percent to $3.38 billion during July-March FY2025-26. During the same period, technology freelancer exports surged by 51 percent to $856.3 million.
According to the report, a skilled digital workforce is essential for sustaining this growth and improving Pakistan’s competitiveness in global technology markets.
Freelancing creates new income opportunities
Freelancing now provides a reliable source of income for thousands of young Pakistanis. It allows them to work with international clients and earn foreign exchange without leaving the country.
The programme also promotes financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. Many participants have launched independent online businesses and service-based ventures after completing their training.
