KARACHI: Pakistan Freelancers Association, representative body of freelancers countrywide, asked relevant authorities to address prevailing internet issues and take immediate steps to restore services to full capacity.

In statement issued here, Pakistan Freelancers Association President and Chief Executive Officer Tufail Ahmed Khan said that freelancers have been grappling with slow internet speeds and frequent disruptions over past three weeks. “These challenges hindered our ability to meet project deadlines, onboard new clients, and secure future business, resulting in significant revenue losses,” he added. Pakistan Freelancers Association maintained that ensuring stable and secure internet connection is crucial for freelancers to deliver their work seamlessly and continue contributing to country’s foreign exchange reserves. “Pakistan is fourth-largest freelancing industry globally, with over 2.3 million full-time and part-time freelancers,” Tufail Ahmed said.

“If these issues persist, online freelancing platforms may downgrade our standing, further damaging industry.” Pakistan Freelancers Association maintained that in addition to full-time freelancers, thousands of students also rely on freelancing to fund their higher education. “Many educated housewives also take on freelance projects to support their families in these inflationary times,” Tufail said. Pakistan Freelancers Association president said that according to Economic Survey of Pakistan, country’s freelancers generated $ 350 million in FY 2023-24, marking 40 percent year-on-year increase. “This underscores industry’s rapid growth, potential, and importance to national economy,” he added.