Pakistan will recognise its top freelancers for the first time through a new award. The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has introduced the Top Freelancer Award as part of the PSEB IT Export Awards 2026.
According to PSEB, Pakistani freelancers contributed more than $1.1 billion to the country’s record $4.6 billion in IT and IT-enabled services exports during the financial year 2025-26. The award aims to highlight their important role in Pakistan’s growing digital economy and export earnings.
PSEB has invited all registered freelancers to submit nominations. Eligible candidates must have received export remittances through formal banking channels and hold Proceeds Realisation Certificates (PRCs) for the period from July 2025 to June 2026. Applicants also need to provide an undertaking confirming that their information and documents are genuine.
Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin welcomed the move. He said it would recognise freelancers’ contribution to the national economy and encourage more digital professionals to improve their skills, attract international clients, and increase export earnings. Amin noted that Pakistan has nearly three million freelancers, with thousands of students expected to join the digital workforce soon. He urged the government to help successful freelancers turn into startups and take part in international technology exhibitions.
The deadline for nominations is August 2026. The PSEB IT Export Awards 2026 will also honour excellence in six other categories, including IT exporters, startups, women-led businesses, and industry growth. This initiative marks an important step in supporting Pakistan’s freelancing community and digital export sector.