An ambitious co-working spaces initiative, operating within the broader co-working spaces project, is gaining substantial momentum, poised to make a considerable impact on the freelance landscape.

Sources within the IT Ministry, as reported by ProPakistani, revealed that funding for the co-working spaces project will be derived from two primary sources. The Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) has already approved Rs. 1 billion dedicated to establishing e-Rozgar centers nationwide. This funding will be utilized by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) to establish 250 e-Rozgar centers.

The second phase of the project, under Ignite’s supervision, is nearing completion, focusing on developing a subsidy model designed to benefit 25,000 freelancers. As the final stages unfold, Ignite is poised to seek board approval before releasing a request for a proposal for the project.

This groundbreaking initiative is estimated to cost between 2.5 billion to 3 billion rupees, with Ignite allocating the budget to subsidize freelancers. The funds will flow to co-working space owners, empowering them to provide essential facilities for freelancers.

The Ministry of IT and Telecom is gearing up to launch the e-Rozgar centers for freelancers in the coming days. The PSEB, in collaboration with established Software Technology Parks across 27 cities, is diligently working on expanding the e-Rozgar network.

In a bid to further incentivize private building owners, the government plans to extend interest-free loans of up to 10 million rupees for the conversion of their buildings into e-Rozgar centers.