A new report from the Pakistan Freelancers Association shows that internet use outside major cities is rising fastest, raising fresh questions about how quickly the sector can scale.
Security experts have urged users to enable two-factor authentication and to update their apps promptly, noting that attackers increasingly target mobile-first markets.
Not everyone is convinced. Critics point to a shortage of skilled engineers, unreliable power supply and a tax regime that changes almost every budget cycle as reasons for caution.
How the deal came together
Analysts at Techlogix estimate that the addressable market could be worth $80 million by 2030, driven by a young population and rising smartphone ownership.
"The talent is here. What has been missing is patient capital and predictable policy."
Nadia Hussain, venture partner at KTrade
The company said the initiative would create roughly 45 jobs over the next two years, most of them in Karachi and Faisalabad. It did not disclose the size of the investment, but people familiar with the plans put the figure at between $45 million and $900 million.
Winners and losers
For consumers, the immediate impact is likely to be modest. Prices are expected to stay flat until at least March, and the new features will roll out gradually across the country.
Key points
- Competitors including CreditBook are expected to respond within months
- Funding round values the company at about $25 million
- Rollout begins in Sialkot and Multan before expanding nationwide
- Regulatory approval from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority still pending
Government officials welcomed the development. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Software Export Board said the initiative "aligns with the national digital agenda" and promised faster approvals for similar projects.
The broader picture is one of steady growth. Internet penetration now exceeds 42% of the population, and mobile broadband subscriptions have more than doubled since 2021.
Reporting by the WritePures newsroom. Have a tip? Contact our editors.
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