NasNY
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
How much will the disruption to Pakistani Fiverr accounts cost?
The gig economy faces a setback as Fiverr responds to widespread internet issues in Pakistan, highlighting the impact of unreliable digital infrastructure
By
Staff Report
Fiverr has announced that it will temporarily set the accounts of Pakistani freelancers to “Out-of-office” mode due to severe and ongoing internet disruptions across the country. This measure aims to protect freelancers’ ratings and mitigate any negative impacts on their performance scores resulting from unexpected delays in order fulfillment.
Fiverr has allowed the accounts to be made available if freelancers believe they have reliable internet.
This disruption is particularly consequential given the critical role that the freelance economy plays in Pakistan. Freelancers in Pakistan have increasingly become a pivotal part of the country’s economic landscape, contributing significantly to the ICT sector. In recent years, Pakistan’s freelance sector has flourished, with freelancers generating substantial revenue from international clients. In 2021 and 2022, Pakistani freelancers earned approximately $400 million annually, making up about 15% of Pakistan’s total $2.6 billion ICT exports. The sector’s rapid growth is underscored by reports indicating that Pakistan is the fourth-largest player in the global digital gig marketplace.
