PESHAWAR — A major push to uplift Pakistan’s freelance sector began this week as Zindigi Freelancer Connect kicked off its national series from CECOS University, Peshawar. Backed by digital education platform Edversity, the initiative aims to bridge critical gaps in skills, mentorship, and financial accessibility for the country’s growing gig economy.
At the heart of the campaign is the Zindigi Freelancer Account, a tailor-made financial tool designed to meet the needs of Pakistan’s 4+ million freelancers. It offers a US Dollar account, reduced international transaction fees, invoice generation, and seamless global payment options—all integrated into a single app.
This launch isn’t just symbolic—it reflects a deeper shift in Pakistan’s economic priorities. Ranked among the top five freelancing nations globally, Pakistan has yet to fully equip its independent workforce with tools to scale sustainably. Zindigi Freelancer Connect is positioning itself to change that.
“We’re building more than just a product—we’re building an ecosystem,” said Ibtisam Babar, Regional Manager for Special Initiatives at Zindigi. “Freelancers need more than payment solutions; they need access to learning, guidance, and a community that supports their growth.”
The Peshawar event brought together some of the region’s top freelancers, digital creators, and trainers, offering a full day of panels, training workshops, and expert-led discussions. It marked one of the largest freelancer-centric gatherings in the country to date.
With sessions covering everything from navigating global marketplaces to overcoming payment challenges, the event highlighted the hurdles freelancers face—and the resources now available to tackle them.
Zindigi’s broader mission, under initiatives like Zindigi Prize, has already established one of Pakistan’s largest entrepreneurial communities. Freelancer Connect is its latest move to channel that momentum into the freelance economy—one of the most dynamic, yet underserved, parts of Pakistan’s workforce.
Following Peshawar’s successful turnout, the initiative is set to roll out in other major cities including Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad in the coming weeks.
By placing freelancers at the center of a national conversation—and backing them with tangible support—Zindigi is betting on a future where Pakistan’s digital professionals can not only compete globally but lead.
