Humaira Motala
KARACHI: In the modern era, acquiring expertise on digital platforms has become an essential need of the time. With computers and laptops, individuals can learn advanced digital skills and earn a reasonable income. These views were expressed by Pakistan Freelance Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin, Faraz Hassan Burhiyo, Manal Gulzar, Muhammad Hasan bin Liaqat and other officials while addressing a workshop held at the Karachi Press Club.
The session was moderated by the head of the Press Club’s Skill Development Committee, Manzar Turk, and Rizwan Bhatti. The workshop was attended by a large number of professionals from newspapers, magazines, electronic media, welfare groups, digital systems and global computer networks. Writers, editors, reporters, correspondents, as well as technical experts in photography and videography were also present. A number of young and enthusiastic participants were part of the training session as well.
PAFLA representatives informed the participants that the importance of online business has increased significantly in recent times, and Pakistan now ranks among the key countries in this domain. They said that according to the latest reports, Pakistan’s IT exports have reached approximately Rs 904 billion annually during the current fiscal year – an encouraging 18% increase compared to the previous year.
They added that the association has signed multiple Moues with various institutions and continues to train citizens to work on digital platforms. In Baluchistan alone, PAFLA is providing free online skills training to more than 200 young girls.
Rejecting the notion that only youth can learn digital skills, the speakers stressed that any citizen can acquire these skills through hard work. “Global markets are accessible from home, and individuals can earn substantial income by working online,” they noted.
Offering participants free membership, PAFLA representatives said that members can benefit from the association’s platform in several ways. Freelancers can participate in free nationwide and online trainings and events, obtain smartphones and laptops through Islamic (interest-free) instalment plans, access subsidized payment-gateway integration, and enhance their value locally and internationally by adding PAFLA membership status to their profiles. Members also gain opportunities for networking with freelancers and mentors across the country, receive free counselling sessions, and benefit from regular promotion on social media.
In their concluding remarks, Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili and Secretary Muhammad Sohail Afzal appreciated the joint initiative of the Skill Development Committee and PAFLA. They expressed their commitment to continuing such workshops for Press Club members in the future.
 Chairman Ibrahim Amin, Faraz Hassan Burhiyo, Manal Gulzar, Muhammad Hasan bin Liaqat){kind=link}