KARACHI: The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) has called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Ministry of Finance to continue supporting Pakistan’s growing freelancing and digital workforce in the Federal Budget 2026-27. PAFLA has recommended retaining the reduced tax rate of 0.25 percent on foreign exchange earnings for the next ten years, alongside allocating funds for capacity-building programs, establishing freelancing hubs in multiple cities, and providing subsidies for internationally recognized certifications. PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin emphasized that extending the 0.25 percent tax regime would encourage freelancers to channel their earnings through local banks and inspire students, young professionals, and women to adopt freelancing as a sustainable career path. He noted that freelancers registered with PSEB currently benefit from the 0.25 percent rate, and PAFLA is eager to work closely with PSEB to simplify the registration process so more freelancers can access these incentives. “A stable, simple tax regime benefits the entire digital economy, freelancers, software houses, and the broader IT industry alike,” he said. News Desk
