Gilgit-Baltistan Freelancers Association - GBFA

10/03/2026

جی بی ایف اے کا سکردو ٹیکنالوجی پارک کی بحالی کے لئے ہنگامی بنیادوں پراقدامات کرنے کا مطالبہ

08/03/2026

GB Freelancers Association Calls for Immediate Restoration of Skardu Software Technology Park

Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan Freelancers Association (GBFA) has expressed serious concern over the recent incident in Skardu that led to the destruction of the SCO Software Technology Park, calling for urgent measures to restore the facility.

According to the association, the incident has left more than 200 male and female freelancers from across the Baltistan region without a workspace, while the operations of over 10 IT companies functioning within the facility have come to a complete halt.

In a statement issued on Sunday, GBFA President Ghulam Rehman urged the Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, the Force Commander Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Director General and Commander of the Special Communications Organization (SCO) to take immediate steps for the restoration of the technology park.

He noted that the SCO Software Technology Park had served as a vital hub for the region’s growing digital workforce, offering high-speed internet, a professional working environment, and opportunities for collaboration among freelancers, startups, and technology companies.

The facility had also hosted various training programmes where hundreds of students and young professionals acquired modern IT and freelancing skills, enabling them to access global digital markets.

Ghulam Rehman said the destruction of the park represents a significant setback for the emerging digital economy of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly for young professionals who rely on stable internet infrastructure and shared workspaces to maintain their international clients and online rankings.

He warned that prolonged disruption could affect freelancers’ credibility on global platforms, damage client relationships, and undermine the region’s growing reputation in the international freelance market.

The GBFA president also noted that the construction and furnishing of the technology park had been financially supported by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). He expressed regret over the damage caused to the regional office of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) in the same incident.

He appealed to AKDN and AKRSP to continue supporting youth empowerment initiatives and to contribute to the rebuilding of the SCO Software Technology Park so that freelancers and technology startups can resume their work.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Freelancers Association called on all relevant stakeholders to prioritise the early restoration of the facility in order to safeguard digital employment opportunities for the youth of Baltistan.

08/03/2026

گلگت بلتستان فری لانسرز ایسوسی ایشن (GBFA) کے صدر غلام رحمان نے سکردو میں پیش آنے والے افسوسناک واقعے پر گہری تشویش کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے متعلقہ اداروں سے اپیل کیا ہے کہ اسپیشل کمیونیکیشن آرگنائزیشن (SCO) کے زیر انتظام قائم سافٹ ویئر ٹیکنالوجی پارک کی فوری بحالی کے لیے ہنگامی بنیادوں پر اقدامات کیے جائیں۔

یاد رہے کہ حالیہ ناخوشگوار واقعے کے نتیجے میں مذکورہ ٹیکنالوجی پارک مکمل طور پر جل کر تباہ ہو گیا ہے، جس کے باعث بلتستان بھر سے 200 سے زائد مرد و خواتین فری لانسرز بے روزگار ہو گئے ہیں، جبکہ 10 سے زائد آئی ٹی کمپنیوں کی سرگرمیاں بھی مکمل طور پر معطل ہو چکی ہیں

جی بی ایف اے کے صدر غلام رحمان نے چیف سیکرٹری گلگت بلتستان، فورس کمانڈر گلگت بلتستان، ڈی جی اور کمانڈر SCO سے اپیل کی ہے کہ وہ اس سہولت کی فوری بحالی کے لیے ہنگامی اقدامات کریں۔

سکردو ٹیکنالوجی پارک آن لائن کام کے لیے ایک اہم مرکز کے طور پر کام کر رہا تھا جہاں فری لانسرز اور اسٹارٹ اپس کو تیز رفتار انٹرنیٹ اور سازگار ورکنگ ماحول فراہم کیا جاتا تھا۔ اس کے علاوہ یہاں تربیتی پروگرام بھی منعقد کیے جاتے تھے جن کے ذریعے سینکڑوں طلبہ و طالبات نے جدید آئی ٹی اور فری لانسنگ مہارتیں حاصل کیں۔

غلام رحمان نے متعلقہ حکام سے اپیل کی کہ وہ اس مرکز کی جلد از جلد بحالی کو یقینی بنائیں۔ انہوں نے خبردار کیا کہ اگر بحالی میں تاخیر ہوئی تو فری لانسرز کی عالمی ساکھ، کلائنٹس کے ساتھ تعلقات اور بین الاقوامی پلیٹ فارمز پر ان کی رینکنگ متاثر ہو سکتی ہے۔

یہاں یہ امر قابلِ ذکر ہے کہ سکردومیں اس ٹیکنالوجی پارک کی تعمیر اور فرنشنگ کے لیے آغا خان ڈیولپمنٹ نیٹ ورک (AKDN) نے مالی معاونت فراہم کی تھی۔

جی بی ایف اے کے صدر غلام رحمان نے اسی افسوسناک واقعے میں آغا خان رورل سپورٹ پروگرام (AKRSP) کے ریجنل دفتر کی تباہی پر بھی افسوس کا اظہار کیا اور AKDN اور AKRSP سے اپیل کی کہ وہ ہمیشہ کی طرح نوجوانوں کو بااختیار بنانے کے لیے آگے آئیں اور اس ٹیکنالوجی پارک کی بحالی میں ایک بار پھر سے کردار ادا کریں۔

گلگت بلتستان فری لانسرز ایسوسی ایشن نے حکومت اور متعلقہ اداروں سے مطالبہ کیا ہے کہ خطے میں آئی ٹی اور فری لانسنگ کے فروغ کے لیے اس اہم مرکز کو فوری طور پر بحال کیا جائے تاکہ نوجوانوں کے روزگار اور خطے کی ڈیجیٹل ترقی کا سفر متاثر نہ ہو۔

گلگت بلتستان فری لانسرز ایسوسی ایشن (GBFA)
08 مارچ 2026

Gilgit-Baltistan Freelancers Association (GBFA) has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident in Skardu that resulted in destruction of the SCO Software Technology Park,

According to details, more than 200 male and female freelancers from across Baltistan region have lost their workspace, while the operations of over 10 IT companies based in the facility have come to a complete halt.

Ghulam Rehman, President of GBFA, urged the Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Force Commander Gilgit-Baltistan, Director General and Commander Special Communication Organization, to take urgent steps for the immediate restoration of the IT Park.

The technology park had served as a key hub for digital work, providing freelancers and startups with high-speed internet and a conducive working environment. It also hosted training programs where hundreds of students received modern IT and freelancing skills.
Ghulam Rehman stated that the technology park had become an important platform for young professionals to access global markets, and its destruction is a serious setback for the region’s emerging digital economy.

He urged relevant authorities to restore the facility at the earliest, warning that prolonged disruption could damage freelancers’ global reputation, client relationships, and rankings on the freelancing platforms.

It is worth noting that the construction and furnishing of the mentioned technology park were financially supported by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

The GBFA President also expressed regret over the destruction of the regional office of the Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) in the same unfortunate incident. He appealed to AKDN and AKRSP to continue their support for youth empowerment by contributing to the rebuilding of the SCO Software Technology Park once again.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Freelancers Association called on all stakeholders to prioritize the restoration of this critical facility to ensure continued access to digital employment opportunities for the youth of Baltistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan Freelancers Association (GBFA)
March 08, 2026

Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan
Special Communications Organization - SCO
Information Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Information Technology Dept. Gilgit-Baltistan
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme - AKRSP Pakistan
Aga Khan Development Network
Gilgit Baltistan Software Houses Association
Ministry Of IT & Telecom
Gilgit-Baltistan Freelancers Association - GBFA

G. Rehman

16/02/2026

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐢𝐭!
SheRozgar is offering FREE digital skills training for youth who want to learn, grow, and build careers in the digital world.
👉 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://sherozgar.com/trainings/
📍 Region: Gilgit
🎓 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
✔ Digital Marketing
✔ AI-Based Content Creation
✔ UI/UX Designing
✔ E-commerce
✔ AI & Machine Learning
✔ Blockchain
✔ Bookkeeping
👥 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲?
Students | Graduates | Job Seekers | Freelancers
🆓 100% FREE | 🎯 Limited seats

07/02/2026

If you’re a student, youth, or freelancer interested in AI, tech skills, innovation, or online opportunities — this is for you.

Indus AI Week is coming to Gilgit-Baltistan! GBSHA, in collaboration with partner organizations, is bringing the GB Series (10–15 Feb 2026) to connect our region with Pakistan’s AI future.

Join workshops, awareness sessions, and networking activities and be part of the next digital wave.

Register now: https://forms.gle/3RpsBLayuXNKmFGd7

Let’s learn, connect, and grow together in AI!

25/12/2025

Do you operate an IT or IT-enabled services company in Gilgit-Baltistan with products or solutions ready to reach a wider market?

You now have a unique opportunity to step into the national spotlight.

Gilgit Baltistan Software Houses Association is proud to serve as the Outreach Partner of ITCN Asia, supporting this landmark initiative aimed at amplifying the voice and unlocking the potential of Gilgit-Baltistan’s growing tech ecosystem.

The “Made in Gilgit-Baltistan” Pavilion will be featured at ITCN Asia Lahore 2026, taking place from 17–19 January 2026. This fully supported platform will enable you to showcase your IT products and services, connect with industry leaders, and gain unprecedented national visibility.

EOI Submission Deadline: 28 December 2025 (11:59 PM Pakistan Standard Time)
Expressions of Interest received after the deadline may not be considered.

Please review the details provided in the form below and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to be part of this historic opportunity.

👉 https://forms.gle/okqKhj7m6tAKbfiV9

10/12/2025

SheDev from Gilgit-Baltistan is among the winners, representing Pakistan. Congratulations to Noreen and her team.

The Upwork Foundation has announced that it will award $800,000 in grants to nine nonprofit organizations across five continents that are training marginalized communities in skills considered difficult for artificial intelligence to replicate.

The 2025 grantees will focus on building proficiency in empathy, creativity, integrity, critical thinking, communication and leadership — competencies the foundation describes as “durable” and essential for workers to effectively shape, oversee and collaborate with advanced AI tools.

Read the full exclusive news with more details about the winners on The Gignomist Website here: https://gignomist.com/upwork-foundation-awards-grants-to-9-organizations-promoting-human-skills-amid-ai-expansion/

05/12/2025

Join an exciting opportunity designed to empower the next generation with real-world skills and professional exposure.

🎤 Orientation Session: Led by Mr. Hisham Sarwar, featuring InnoTalent & Asani.com.pk—dynamic networking platforms helping youth unlock new career pathways.

📅 Registration Deadline: 7 December
📅 Course Starts: 8 December

📌 Register Now: https://forms.gle/tNWRJQ1GNQKf4mi3A

For details about attending the course, please visit or contact your nearest STP or FLH center.

Special Communications Organization - SCO InnoVista

23/09/2025

امریکی حکومت نے غیر ملکی افراد کے لیے ورک ویزا کی سالانہ فیس 1700 ڈالر (یعنی 4 لاکھ 82 ہزار روپے) سے بڑھا کر ایک لاکھ ڈالر (یعنی 2 کروڑ 83 لاکھ روپے) کر دی ہے، جو 21 ستمبر سے نافذ العمل ہوا ہے۔

یہ اضافہ صرف نئی درخواستوں پر لاگو ہوگا اور رقم اسپانسر کرنے والی کمپنیاں سالانہ ادا کریں گی، لیکن اس کا بوجھ بالآخر غیر ملکی ملازمین کی تنخواہوں سے ہی کاٹا جائے گا۔

امریکی ماہرینِ معیشت نے خبردار کیا ہے کہ یہ بھاری اضافہ معاشی ترقی کو سست اور ہنر مند گریجویٹس کو ملک چھوڑنے پر مجبور کر سکتا ہے۔ لیکن ٹرمپ صاحب کسی کی بات سننے کو تیار نہیں۔

لہذا امریکی ویزوں کے پیچھے وقت اور پیسہ ضائع نہ کریں۔ اس کے بجائے فری لانسنگ شروع کریں اور گھر بیٹھے انہی امریکی کمپنیوں سے پروجیکٹس حاصل کرکے روزگار کمائیں۔

آپ بھی خوش، آپ کا خاندان بھی خوش اور آپ کا ملک بھی خوشحال ہوگا۔ باقی بجلی اور انٹرنیٹ پر بعد میں بات کریں گے.

تحریر: غلام رحمان

17/08/2025

Atif Hussain, a passionate finance professional from Gilgit city, has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning the “Top Rated Plus” badge on Upwork.

Atif, who graduated as a Gold Medalist in Finance from Karakoram International University in 2020, stepped into the freelancing industry after receiving hands-on training by NEEDS Online in collaboration with the Information Technology Dept. Gilgit-Baltistan in late 2022.

Since then, Atif has earned over $35,000 exclusively from Upwork, successfully completing dozens of projects for clients from several countries including USA, Canada and UK. His outstanding client reviews opened doors to more opportunities and motivated him to expand by building his own team.

In 2024, Atif contributed to a community-based skills development program at Al Mustafa Public School in Gilgit, where he trained 15 talented students from different localities. By mid-2025, after helping these students hone their skills, he co-founded a startup called “Ledgraith International” which now employs 15+ local youth who earn, learn, and support their education through freelancing.

As a dynamic and accomplished member of GBFA, Atif’s journey is truly inspiring and commendable. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him and wish him continued success in the future.

08/08/2025