KARACHI: Pakistani youth equipped with advanced digital skills and professional expertise can play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s economy, speakers said at a seminar hosted by the University of Karachi in collaboration with the Pakistan Freelancers Association.
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The seminar, titled “The Freelance Revolution: From Degree to Digital PR Deals,” was organized by the Department of Mass Communication and brought together students, industry experts, and aspiring freelancers to discuss emerging opportunities in the global gig economy.
Addressing the event, Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of PAFLA, said Pakistan is among the top countries globally in terms of freelance workforce, ranking third or fourth worldwide. He noted that freelancers have contributed approximately $856 million to the national economy in the current fiscal year.
He urged students to go beyond traditional academic pathways and acquire in-demand digital skills to tap into international markets, generate foreign exchange, and support their families.
The session was chaired by Dr Sadia Mehmood, Chairperson of the Department of Mass Communication, who stressed the importance of confidence, adaptability, and soft skills alongside technical expertise for long-term success.
Other speakers included M Hasan Bin Liaquat, a video editor and Upwork trainer; Syeda Mahrukh Shah, a global YouTube scriptwriter; and Sagar Samy, a content creator and AI strategist. They shared practical insights on freelancing, digital content creation, and navigating global platforms.
Dr Raana Afzal, Associate Professor at the department, highlighted the growing relevance of freelancing and digital public relations in today’s evolving media landscape and encouraged students to take full advantage of such learning opportunities.
The seminar underscored the expanding role of freelancing in Pakistan’s economy and emphasized the need for skill development to enable youth to compete effectively in global digital markets.
