The e-commerce sector in Pakistan has experienced remarkable growth over recent years, driven primarily by the country’s youthful demographic. With more than 67 per cent of the population under 30 years of age, Pakistani youth are not only significant consumers of e-commerce but also its primary innovators and entrepreneurs.
Muhammad Talha Javed, hailing from Kotla Panah in Sargodha, is a pioneering entrepreneur and the founder of Cyfrow Solutions, a thriving IT hub. His journey from a small village to becoming the number one freelancer of DigiSkills is an inspiration for many.
Raised in a village with limited resources, Talha pursued his early education locally and completed his intermediate studies at Punjab College. He received training in e-commerce through the government-run DigiSkills programme.
After receiving this training, Talha started freelancing and quickly rose to prominence, becoming the number one freelancer of DigiSkills in Sargodha. His remarkable achievements were recognised in 2023 when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif awarded him for his contributions.
Fuelled by this recognition, Talha sought to give back to his community, leading to the establishment of Cyfrow Solutions. Currently, the company boasts a team of 55 digitally skilled professionals and has ambitious plans to expand its strength to 1,000 individuals.
Cyfrow Solutions is not about job creation but empowering individuals with the skills needed for the digital age. The company’s impact is evident in the search engine optimisation (SOE) industry, where it has generated over $1.4 million. Operating in 60 countries, Cyfrow Solutions utilises 88 Fiverr accounts and ensures that every member of the company earns at least $200 monthly.
Talha’s story is one of pride and ongoing commitment to the mission of Cyfrow Solutions. Together, they are making significant strides towards a brighter, digitally empowered future for Kot Momin and beyond.
Supporting youth in e-commerce has significant economic implications, including job creation, economic growth, and enhanced tax revenues.
The Pakistani government recognises the potential of its youthful population and has implemented various policies and initiatives to support the growth of e-commerce. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is at the forefront of advancing e-commerce education and empowerment across the province. These efforts aim to create a conducive environment for online businesses by addressing regulatory barriers, enhancing digital infrastructure, and promoting financial inclusion.
The government’s National E-commerce Policy outlines strategies to promote e-commerce in Pakistan. This includes simplifying business registration processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and encouraging innovation in the digital economy.
Programmes focused on enhancing digital literacy, web development, digital marketing, and financial management help young entrepreneurs effectively understand and leverage e-commerce platforms. Initiatives like the Kamyab Jawan Programme provide young entrepreneurs with financial support, training, and mentorship, helping them start and grow their e-commerce businesses.
To enhance e-commerce capabilities in Punjab, the government should integrate digital literacy into school curriculums from primary levels, covering basic computer skills, internet usage, online safety, and introductory e-commerce concepts. Advanced courses for higher grades should include digital marketing, setting up online businesses, e-commerce platforms, and financial literacy.
It is recommended that every high school graduate undergo a mandatory four-month training programme in digital skills and e-commerce. This programme would equip them with the necessary skills to earn money independently and contribute to their family’s income as well as the national economy.
Expanding vocational training programmes to include e-commerce skills can provide immediate employment opportunities for young people. These programmes can focus on practical skills such as setting up online stores, managing digital marketing campaigns, and handling customer service.
The Punjab government can establish incubators and accelerators that provide resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to e-commerce startups. These facilities can help young entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of the e-commerce landscape and scale their businesses.
Collaborating with private sector entities can create a robust support system for emerging e-commerce businesses. These partnerships can provide young entrepreneurs with additional resources, expertise, and market access.
It is crucial to extend digital services and education to small towns and remote areas down to the Union Council level, ensuring community-based programmes that benefit everyone, including those in underserved areas. While urban areas benefit from initiatives like free internet services, many rural regions remain underserved.
Here are comprehensive recommendations for the Punjab government to address this digital divide and empower young kids and housewives with e-commerce education.
Invest in the expansion of broadband infrastructure to ensure reliable and high-speed internet access in small towns and remote areas. Collaborate with telecom companies to lay down fibre optic cables and establish satellite internet services where necessary. Set up community internet hubs equipped with computers and internet access in central locations. These hubs can serve as educational centres where individuals can learn about e-commerce and access online resources. Ensuring reliable power supply in small towns and remote areas is essential to support digital infrastructure. Investing in alternative energy solutions such as solar panels can provide consistent electricity to training centres and community hubs.
To make the programme systematic and transparent, every Union Council must be monitored by the Union Council representative or under the oversight of their member of provincial assembly (MPA). This will ensure that the programme’s transparency is not compromised at any level.
The idea is to initiate this programme by having each Union Council hire an instructor to impart these skills for a minimum salary. Once trained, the skilled aspirants will then educate further students voluntarily. This creates a sustainable, community-driven model where everyone works together, fostering a strong community spirit.
It is crucial to extend digital services and education to small towns and remote areas down to the Union Council level, ensuring community-based programmes that benefit everyone,
I am personally leading efforts to impart digital skills training to youngsters in my constituency PP73. We have collaborated with privates colleges and invite skilled trainers to guide students on how they can earn through freelance work.
The government can establish e-commerce training centres in community halls and public libraries, offering practical courses for housewives and youth. Regular workshops and seminars, featuring successful local entrepreneurs can provide mentorship and inspiration. Likewise, introducing awards and recognition programmes for successful entrepreneurs will motivate others and highlight local achievements.
Supporting youth in e-commerce has significant economic implications, including job creation, economic growth, and enhanced tax revenues. Educating young entrepreneurs about tax obligations and the benefits of tax compliance can help enhance revenue generation. Awareness campaigns and training programmes can emphasise the importance of paying taxes and how they contribute to national development.
The future of e-commerce in Pakistan is bright, with its trajectory largely influenced by the country’s young population. As internet penetration and digital literacy continue to improve, and as more young entrepreneurs enter the market, the sector is expected to witness unprecedented growth.
Facilitating cross-border e-commerce can provide Pakistani businesses with access to international markets. Government initiatives to reduce trade barriers and simplify export processes can support the growth of cross-border e-commerce.
Enhancing the global competitiveness of Pakistani e-commerce businesses through innovation, quality assurance, and efficient coordination can help them compete successfully on the international stage.
The writer is an educationist and teaches at the University of Central Punjab.
