Caretaker Federal Minister of Information Technology, Dr. Umar Saif, unveiled plans to offer interest-free loans to the private sector, aiming to establish 10,000 e-employment centers nationwide.
In a video message, Dr. Saif highlighted the challenges faced by the 1.5 million Pakistani youths engaged in online freelancing due to the absence of proper working spaces.
He emphasized that many freelancers earning modestly—around 10 to 20 dollars a day—struggle to afford basic work essentials such as generators or laptops, let alone cover office rent. In response to these difficulties, the initiative aims to establish dedicated e-employment centers tailored to freelancers' needs.
Dr. Saif elaborated that the government plans to provide interest-free loans to the private sector, encouraging the conversion of real estate into these specialized centers.
فری لانسرزکی سہولت کیلئے 10 ہزار ای روزگارسینٹرز کے قیام کا اعلان
— Ministry of IT & Telecom (@MoitOfficial) January 10, 2024
"نگراں حکومت میں وزارت آئی ٹی و ٹیلی کمیونیکیشن کے کامیاب ترین 4 ماہ رہے. چار ماہ کی مختصر مدت میں ایس آئی ایف سی کی بھرپور معاونت سے اقدامات ممکن ہوسکے." ڈاکٹر عمر سیف#eRozgaar #UmarSaif #MOITT pic.twitter.com/DAnGhSdvqI
Envisioning these centers as hubs for freelance work, each accommodating up to 100 individuals, the initiative aims to create job opportunities for around a million freelancers across the nation.
The minister highlighted the potential impact of this move, estimating that with the government's support, freelancers could collectively generate an annual income of around $10 billion.
Dr. Umar Saif’s efforts to facilitate freelancers have been evident, including the recent agreement with 'PayPal' for money transactions, further empowering the freelance community in Pakistan.
