Growth Opportunities and Impediments in the Digital Freelance Industry of Pakistan
Abstract
The research paper is based on the motive of exploring the core issues underlying the digital freelance industry in
Pakistan. The paper strives to investigate the current trends within the industry and obstacles faced by Pakistani
freelancers while working on various digital platforms. A quantitative research approach has been used for carrying out
the research study. An online survey has been conducted among 100 Pakistani digital freelancers. The study finds that
Pakistani freelancers face problems in getting international orders due to a lack of proper guidance, weak digital
infrastructure, and a lack of secure international payment methods. Tough competition at the international level, high
tax rates, and the unavailability of PayPal in Pakistan appears to be some major problems faced by freelancers. It is also
revealed from the study that there are wide-ranging opportunities that Pakistani freelancers are availing by offering their
services on international freelancing platforms. The ranking of Pakistan is getting better at the global level in terms of
producing freelancers working in the digital world. The study recommends that the freelance industry must be properly
regulated by the government to facilitate and promote Pakistani freelancers on international forums. Training and
mentoring programs coupled with the availability of PayPal in Pakistan can help improve the situation significantly.
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