In a Positive Turn for Pakistan‘s Growing Freelance Market, PayPal Services Now Available
Freelancers in Pakistan can now receive their payments through PayPal, a widely-used online payment and money transfer platform. This development is expected to significantly enhance the country’s flourishing freelance market, offering greater convenience for businesses across various sectors.
Dr. Umar Saif, the caretaker Minister for Information and Technology, highlighted the longstanding demand from freelancers in Pakistan for the inclusion of PayPal services. Under the newly devised program, freelancers won’t need to create a PayPal account; instead, individuals abroad can make payments directly from their PayPal accounts, and the funds will be swiftly deposited into the freelancers’ accounts.
Additionally, Dr. Saif discussed advancements in satellite communication technology, emphasizing the potential for private companies to provide communication services through low-orbit satellites. This aligns with the nation’s first space policy, approved by the federal cabinet, allowing international companies to offer communication services via such satellites, which are closer and offer reduced latency.
Furthermore, the National Space Policy is expected to enable private-sector companies to provide affordable internet services in Pakistan, fostering increased investment in the national space program. Dr. Saif expressed confidence in the launch of 5G services in the country by July, with a 300MHz spectrum set for auction.
To boost IT education, the ministry, in collaboration with various entities, plans to revamp IT education in universities. Dr. Saif disclosed an Industry Placement Programme, where successful students will be offered jobs. The government is also initiating a project to establish 10,000 e-Rozgar centers across the country, equipped with the latest facilities for freelancers and startups. Highlighting the government’s efforts to bolster IT and telecom exports, Dr. Saif mentioned that the sector’s official export is $2.6 billion, but the actual figure is around $5 billion, as a substantial portion is parked outside the country to cover international employee salaries and monthly expenses for cloud hosting, marketing, and sales on platforms like Google, Amazon, LinkedIn, etc.