Pakistan’s first ever Digital Freelancers Awards announced by KPITB

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) has announced Digital Freelancers Awards for the people working on freelancing platforms in Pakistan, on their official Facebook page.

Freelancing is an activity of offering one’s services to multiple clients at a time, as opposed to common jobs where you work at a single company. Digital freelancing is a rapidly growing market worldwide where professionals from various fields offer their services to various clients. The statistics state,

“In the United States, there are 53 million freelancers making 34% of the national workforce and contributing to an estimated $715 billion. In the UK, there are 1.4 million freelancers across all sectors. The number of businesses hiring freelancers online have increased by 46%. The trend remains the same all across the globe.”

Established in 2011 by KPK Government, KPITB aims to promote small and medium entrepreneurs by creating a conducive environment in the field of IT. KPITB also claims that Pakistan has 4th largest freelancing base globally. It has launched government-funded “Youth Employment Program” which offers freelance training in about 7 districts of KPK. Another program called “Digital Livelihood Program” allows women to work and earn safely from their homes.

Digital Freelancers Awards are categorized as:

1. KPITB’s Digital Freelancers Award
a. Top three digital freelancers from KPK
b. Top three digital freelancers from across Pakistan

2. Special awards for Female digital freelancers
a. Top three digital freelancers from KPK
b. Top three digital freelancers from across Pakistan

3. YEP (Emerging Freelancer who attended the KPITB’s Youth Employment Program’s sessions)
4. Youngest Freelancer
5. Three freelancers to be selected randomly by the Chief Guest

The award ceremony will be held in Peshawar. Freelancers can apply here.