Pakistan has emerged as the third-largest freelancing country in the world, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Tuesday. He said the country’s youth represent a major economic force. Aurangzeb emphasized that skill-based training is key to unlocking Pakistan’s demographic dividend and fostering economic growth.
Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, the minister noted that Pakistan’s population of 240 million offers immense potential. He highlighted that the main challenge is lack of discipline and focus on results. Aurangzeb stressed that sustainable economic development is essential to reduce poverty and ensure long-term progress.
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The finance minister also discussed the Social Impact Financing Framework, saying it is more than a policy statement. He described it as a structured financial mechanism to fund outcome-driven initiatives. Aurangzeb explained that this framework will encourage public-private partnerships and result-based funding in skill development projects.
Special focus is being given to young women under the Pakistan Skills Impact Bond (PSIB) initiative, Aurangzeb added. He congratulated NuTec and Early Stage Codiel teams for their contribution to the program. The minister urged stakeholders to maintain results-oriented approaches to maximize the impact of skill development.
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Aurangzeb concluded that Pakistan’s position as a leading freelancing hub reflects its potential in the global digital economy. He emphasized that investing in youth skills and public-private collaborations will further strengthen the country’s economic resilience.