ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s latest National Labour Force Survey 2024-25 shows a rise in unemployment to 7.1%, up from 6.3% in 2020-21. The increase highlights growing challenges in the country’s job market.
Chief Statistician Dr. Naeem-ul-Zafar confirmed that around 8 million Pakistanis are currently unemployed. He added that the survey was conducted online for the first time, with 196 enumerators and 34 field formations covering the entire country.
The survey also reveals that Pakistan’s total population stands at 241.49 million, with more than 77.2 million people forming the labour force. Around 43% of the population is of working age, while 53.8% remains inactive. Overall, 3.3% of the total population is unemployed.
The data shows that the services sector remains the largest employer, absorbing 31.83 million people, or 41.7% of the total employed population. The agriculture sector is the second-largest employer, providing jobs to 25.53 million people, representing 33.1% of the workforce. The industrial sector employs 19.86 million people, or 25.7% of the total workforce.
The survey also highlights wage trends in Pakistan. The average monthly wage now stands at Rs39,042, up significantly from Rs24,028 in 2020-21. Men earn an average of Rs39,302 per month, while women earn Rs37,347, showing persistent wage disparities between genders.
Officials noted that the government is on track to meet IMF requirements by December 2025. The livestock census has already been released, while the household income survey will be published next month. These surveys aim to provide detailed insights into Pakistan’s economic and social landscape.
Experts say the rise in unemployment reflects structural challenges in the labour market and calls for increased investment in job creation. They also emphasize the need for policies that support both wage growth and employment opportunities across sectors.
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The National Labour Force Survey 2024-25 underlines the importance of monitoring labour trends to address rising unemployment and ensure sustainable economic development in Pakistan.
