ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for IT and Telecom Dr Umar Saif on Wednesday announced an ambitious long-term policy initiative, envisaging the nationwide establishment of approximately 10,000 e-job centres.
Taking to his X handle, Dr Umar Saif claimed these e-rozgar centres will assist freelancers, who lack proper workspaces.
In post on X, the caretaker minister stated that an estimated 1.5 million freelancers operate regularly in Pakistan and improvement in work condition would enhance their performance and efficiency.
According to Dr Saif, a projected potential annual earnings of around $10 billion is possible for one million facilitated freelancers. This projection factors in various measures, such as permitting them to retain up to 50% of their export earnings and offering easier payment methods, expected to foster freelance activities in the country.
The Ministry of IT and Telecom identifies that a significant portion of freelancers hail from smaller cities and towns. Moreover, female IT experts predominantly come from remote areas where relevant job opportunities are scarce.
Under the scheme, owners of properties seeking conversion into e-rozgar centres, capable of hosting 100 people, will receive interest-free loans for the conversion process.
Speaking to the media, the caretaker minister highlighted that the networking opportunities and supportive environment within the e-rozgar centres would encourage freelancers to pursue high-end projects.
Dr. Saif took the opportunity to commend his own caretaker government’s efforts, citing 13 major steps taken in the past four months to bolster the IT and telecom sector.
