In a groundbreaking move to empower freelancers across Pakistan, the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT) has embarked on a strategic collaboration with the private sector. This visionary initiative aims to establish a robust infrastructure to support freelancers, fostering an environment conducive to their success.
As part of this ambitious plan, a network of 5,000 freelancing centers set to sprout across both small and large cities throughout the country. This joint effort between the government and private enterprises poised to create a win-win scenario for all stakeholders involved.
MoITT officials developing a unique model that capitalizes on dormant urban spaces, transforming idle buildings into thriving hubs for freelancers. The government will play a pivotal role in facilitating the owners of these structures to secure loans from banks, with an added incentive of subsidized interest rates.
To determine the precise percentage of interest rate subsidies, officials from the Ministry of Information Technology are currently in deliberation. Subsidy funding comes from Ignite and the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). Furthermore, plans are underway to establish freelancing centers in cities categorized as tier one, tier two, and tier three.
The original vision behind this initiative was to create community-centric spaces through these freelancing centers. Abandoned urban buildings will revitalized, providing freelancers with the necessary workspace and infrastructure.
This initiative is a game-changer for freelancers, offering them a more affordable and accessible workspace. In commercial spaces, freelancers typically face seat rates ranging from Rs. 10,000 to 15,000, which can be financially burdensome. These freelancing centers will provide seats at a much more reasonable cost, ranging from Rs. 3,000 to 4,000. Freelancers can attract accountants and other professionals, turning these centers into e-employment hubs.
Officials stress that only compliant buildings will become “freelancing centers.” Over 3.6 million people registered for Ignite’s DG Skills program. IT Minister Umar Saif urges MoITT to prioritize freelancer infrastructure, boosting freelancing opportunities.