Insights

Gilgit: June 24, 2025 – Needs Online Pvt. Ltd. extended its support to the SEE Pakistan World Startup Championship 2025, organized by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP). In the first regional round of idea pitching, held at Karakoram International University (KIU), Mr. Ghulam Rehman, CEO of Needs Online, served as one of the official judges, evaluated innovative startup ideas presented by aspiring youth entrepreneurs from across Gilgit-Baltistan. The SEE Pakistan initiative aims to identify and support high-potential startups through regional and national competitions. Successful ventures moving forward to the national round will receive valuable prizes, business mentorship, and ongoing counseling to help them scale their ideas into sustainable businesses. “In a time of rising economic challenges and high youth unemployment in Pakistan, supporting such initiatives is not just a responsibility but a strategic investment in the country’s future,” said Mr. Ghulam Rehman.., adding that “Promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment through relevant national and international platforms can significantly contribute to the growth of the gig economy and tech-driven enterprises.” Needs Online remains committed to fostering innovation, skills development, and entrepreneurial growth, especially among the youth in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Gilgit: May 25, 2025 – We were honored to welcome Ms. Sasha Oliveira, Second Secretary at the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan, to our office, during her visit to AKRSP’s interventions under the BEST4WEER projects. At Needs Online, our Project Manager Mr. Karim Rehman briefed Ms. Oliveira and the delegation on our ongoing Employer-Led IT Training Program. He explained how participants are actively contributing to real-time client projects to gain hands-on industry experience. Ms. Oliveira was accompanied by Mr. Amin Beg from the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, along with Ms. Yasmeen Qalandar, Regional Programme Manager, and Ms. Sosan Aziz, Head of Gender and Focal Point for the BEST4WEER project and Mr. Noor Khan, Enterprise Specialist from AKRSP. Ms. Oliveira and the other officials appreciated the strategic approach of Needs Online in equipping young individuals with both technical and soft skills, enabling them to become independent and job-ready in today’s competitive digital world. Her visit affirmed the importance of meaningful partnerships between organizations like AKRSP and Needs Online in driving sustainable youth empowerment and digital transformation across the region.

Gilgit, June 30, 2024 — Ghulam Rehman, CEO of Needs Online Pvt. Ltd, engaged with over 400 aspiring young minds at the Tech Empowerment Camp 2024, held at the JK9 Community Center in Mohammabad Danyore, Gilgit. The event was organized by the Aga Khan Economic & Planning Board – DSOR, drawing enthusiastic participation from youth across Rahimabad, Sultanabad, Danyore, and Oshkandas. The camp served as a dynamic platform for students to explore the intersection of education, digital innovation, and future-ready skills. Sessions focused on career planning, emerging skills in the tech ecosystem, and the relevance of academic qualifications in remote work environments. Participants were introduced to top global learning platforms such as Coursera and DigiSkills, and gained hands-on insights into areas including: Professional trainers and domain experts shared their specialized knowledge, offering practical guidance and real-world strategies to navigate the digital economy. They addressed key challenges and highlighted diverse income-generating opportunities available in today’s rapidly evolving freelance and tech-driven landscape. Speaking at the event, Ghulam Rehman emphasized the transformative power of digital skills in empowering youth from remote regions like Gilgit-Baltistan. He encouraged participants to embrace freelancing and e-learning platforms as viable pathways to global employment and self-reliance. Needs Online Pvt. Ltd remains committed to bridging the digital divide by supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment, digital literacy, and economic resilience in Pakistan.

June 23, 2024 – The first ever “Online Tutoring” training in Gilgit-Baltistan for professional teachers concluded with a small graduation ceremony and distribution of completion certificates at Needs Online Pvt. Ltd in Gilgit today. The passionate educators learned how to generate additional income by teaching students online globally from the comfort of their homes. Another segment of the training explored the potential of freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn. Trainees appreciated Needs Online’s efforts to empower them with skills to utilize their expertise in the global education industry.

Skardu (PR March 18, 2024) – The four-day “GBFA Freelancing Bootcamp Baltistan” began at the University Of Baltistan Skardu today. The event is a joint effort between GB Freelancers Association – GBFA, and The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme – AKRSP Pakistan, and is being technically supported by NEEDS Online. The inaugural day witnessed active participation from hundreds of youths. Top Rated freelancers and mentors imparted essential skills to the participants, covering topics such as freelancing fundamentals, niche analysis, profile optimization, client communication, ecommerce platform management, and safeguarding against online scams. In his opening remarks, GBFA President Mr. Ghulam Rehman extended gratitude to AKRSP for their support in youth development initiatives and skill development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. He also expressed appreciation to the University of Baltistan for providing the venue and acknowledged the continued technical support from NeedsOnline. The GBFA President also announced the formation of GBFA Baltistan Chapter and appointed Mr. Adil Asad as the head of Baltistan Chapter. Who will form hist team from all districts and work for the existing and aspiring freelancers in the region. Dr. Zahoor Hussain Shah, Campus Director, commended GBFA’s efforts in empowering the youth across Gilgit-Baltistan and highlighted AKRSP’s contributions to education, health, and youth entrepreneurship in the region. Regional Area Manager of AKRSP Mr. Rahat Ali provided insight into the comprehensive activities of AKRSP in the Baltistan division, assuring the youth of future similar productive sessions. Manager Entrepreneurship AKRSP Mr. Ghulam Muhammad thanked the GBFA leadership and mentors for their dedication to the youth of Baltistan. The boot camp will follow the same format in Shigar, Kharmang, and Ghanche on March 19, 20, and March 22, 2024 respectively.

Islamabad (PR March 12, 2024) – Following the successful bootcamps conducted by the GB Freelancers Association – GBFA in Karachi and Lahore, NEEDS Online continued to provide technical support for the Freelancing Bootcamp held at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad on March 12, 2024. In collaboration with the Gilgit Baltistan Student Council, QAU, a large number of students from GB actively participated in the camp. GBFA senior members, and “Top Rated” freelancers shared their experiences, addressing industry challenges and opportunities while unveiling the secrets to success in the gig economy. GBFA mentors shared information about different online scams and unlawful activities, underscoring the importance of avoiding involvement in such practices. The GBFA President Mr. G. Rehman highlighted the association’s commitments to empowering youth with trending digital skills. He encouraged students in twin cities’ universities to venture into part-time freelancing, suggesting it as a viable means to cover academic expenses with just a few hours of work weekly. Vice Chairman Musharraf Abbas of GB Student Council QAU expressed gratitude to GBFA and its mentors for the productive session, pledging future collaborations for additional training sessions that will benefit students in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Lahore (PR March 7, 2025) – Needs Online proudly supported the GBFA Freelancing BootCamp held at the University of The Punjab in Lahore. The bootcamp was organized in GBFA in collaboration with the University of the Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan Students Council PU. A large number of students from Gilgit-Baltistan, currently residing in Lahore, actively participated in the event. GBFA senior members, including Ghulam Rehman, Muzaffar Faqir, and Sajida Yaqoob, shared their experiences as “Top Rated” freelancers, addressing the challenges and opportunities within the freelancing industry. They also divulged the secrets to success in the gig economy. During the session, President GBFA; and founder of Needs Online Mr. Ghulam Rehman expressed appreciation for the attendees and emphasized the need for similar camps to empower GB youth to engage in part-time freelancing and cover their academic expenses. The GB Student Council President Shujaat extended gratitude to GBFA and its mentors for conducting a productive session, pledging future collaborations with GBFA for additional training sessions benefiting students enrolled in the University of the Punjab and other universities as well.