Overseas freelancers hold $3–4 billion.

Former Pakistani Finance Minister and Senator Shaukat Tarin claimed that Pakistani independent contractors have saved $3–4 billion abroad, particularly amid the current dollar crisis. Additionally, he asserted that within the following five years, exports of information technology (IT) might reach $50 billion.

At a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, Tarin made this statement. He stated that a plan must be developed to boost IT exports. Pakistan has designated 27 economic zones, and construction has begun in five of them, he continued.

He asserted that the current administration had discontinued the previous administration's endeavours to advance and strengthen the e-commerce industry. According to Tarin, the issues the independent contractors encountered were resolved while he was in office.

Tarin added that the taxation of independent contractors had resulted in $3 to $4 billion being left abroad. He continued by saying that Pakistan needed monies, and those dollars were elsewhere. He also requested that a decision be made in this regard from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Tarin's assertions were verified by the Ministry of Commerce. The executives told the committee that cash-on-delivery commerce accounts for 90% of all domestic e-commerce. According to their claims, Pakistan is ranked 37th in the world for e-commerce, and in 2021, the estimated value of the country's e-commerce business was $5.9 billion.

The officials also informed the Committee that Pakistan has 4,445 registered merchants for e-commerce. According to officials, e-commerce has also begun in Pakistan's agriculture industry. Tarin recommended taking steps to advance e-commerce in the agricultural industry.

Nine non-traditional sectors are included in the Strategic Trade Framework Policy, Ministry of Commerce officials told the Committee.