Lahore: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) held its 2nd IT Freelancing Awards, acknowledging the pivotal role freelancers and IT professionals play in Pakistan's digital economy. The event, attended by Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider and other notable figures from the business and tech sectors, celebrated the contribution of freelancers as a major source of foreign remittances.

A total of 22 freelancers from various fields, including content writing, animation, and social media marketing, were honored for their excellence. Noteworthy awardees included Nadia Mahmood for cartoon and comic character design, Sana Mubashar for content writing, and Mian Faizan Mahmood for social media marketing expertise.

Apart from freelancers, special awards were given to individuals for their significant contributions to IT development and digital policy. Among the honorees were LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad and SAARC Vice President Mian Anjum Nisar, highlighting their leadership and dedication to advancing the digital sector.

Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider acknowledged the transformational impact of freelancers on Pakistan's economy. He emphasized the need for government support through policy and regulatory measures to further empower this digital workforce.

LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad highlighted the chamber's commitment to promoting a Digital Pakistan by supporting young freelancers through training and recognition. He stressed the importance of fostering an environment conducive to the growth of digital entrepreneurship.

Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry underscored the significance of freelancing as a vital economic pillar. They called for governmental reforms to enhance the digital working environment, including tax reforms and international payment gateways.

Mian Anjum Nisar lauded the freelancing community as an untapped economic resource, while Ambassador to Rwanda Naeem Khan praised Pakistani IT professionals for their creativity on the global stage.

The event concluded with a pledge for continued support of Pakistan's freelance economy, emphasizing the need for collaboration and infrastructure development to bolster this growing sector.