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Pakistan Labour Force Survey 2024-25

The National Labour Force Survey (LFS) 2024–25 has been officially released, highlighting important changes in Pakistan’s employment landscape. The latest data shows a rise in unemployment, shifts in sector-wise employment trends, and significant changes in average wages across the country. As millions struggle to secure stable jobs, this report helps us understand where Pakistan stands today and what job seekers can do in these challenging times.

Key Highlights of Labour Force Survey 2024–25

• Unemployment rate increases to 7.1% (was 6.3% in 2020–21)

• 0.8% rise in unemployment over 5 years

• 8 million Pakistanis are currently jobless

• Pakistan’s population as per 2023 census is 241.49 million

• 3.3% of total population is unemployed

• Services sector leads with 41.7% employment

• Agriculture sector employs 33.1%

• Industrial sector employs 25.7%

• Average monthly wage increases to Rs 39,042

• Male average wage: Rs 39,302

• Female average wage: Rs 37,347

Pakistan Labour Force Survey 2024–25: Unemployment Rises to 7.1%

The Labour Force Survey reveals that unemployment in Pakistan has climbed to 7.1%, up from 6.3% in 2020–21. This means nearly 8 million people are currently jobless. The increase of 0.8% over five years highlights deeper economic challenges, including slower job creation, inflation, and reduced business activity.

With living costs rising, unemployment affects not just individuals but entire families who rely on a single breadwinner.

Pakistan's Population & Labour Market Size

According to the 2023 census, Pakistan’s population is now 241.49 million. With 3.3% of this population unemployed, the pressure on the job market is extremely high. More young people are entering the workforce each year, but job creation is not keeping pace.

Sector-Wise Employment Trends

1. Services Sector - Leading with 41.7% Employment

The services sector remains the backbone of Pakistan’s employment structure.

• 31.83 million people are employed in services

• It contributes 41.7% to total employment
This includes jobs in:

• Retail

• Education

• Healthcare

• Hospitality

• Transport & delivery

• Customer service

• IT and freelancing

This sector continues to grow due to digitalization and urbanization.

2. Agriculture Sector - 33.1% Employment

Agriculture remains Pakistan’s second-largest employment provider.

• 25.53 million people work in agriculture
This includes farming, livestock, fisheries, and dairy.

However, mechanization and reduced profitability are slowing job creation in rural areas.

3. Industrial Sector - 25.7% Employment

The industrial sector employs 19.86 million workers, including:

• Manufacturing

• Construction

• Mining

• Textiles

• Factory workers

While still significant, the industrial sector faces rising production costs and reduced exports, limiting new opportunities.

Wage Growth in Pakistan - Improving but Uneven

The average monthly wage in Pakistan has risen to Rs 39,042, showing an increase of Rs 15,014 over five years.

• In 2020–21, the average wage was Rs 24,028.

Gender Comparison

• Men earn: Rs 39,302

• Women earn: Rs 37,347

Although the wage gap has narrowed slightly, it still shows gender-based disparities in job opportunities and pay.

What the Labour Force Survey Means for Pakistan’s Economy

The rising unemployment rate, combined with inflation and a growing population, indicates multiple challenges:

• Businesses are hiring less due to high operational costs

• New skill development is slower than market demand

• Rural-to-urban migration is increasing competition for city jobs

• Female labour force participation remains low

• Growth in informal jobs (unregistered work) continues

However, opportunities remain strong in:

• Digital services

• Deliveries and logistics

• Freelancing

• E-commerce

• Skilled trades

• Small home-based businesses

To overcome this unemployment crisis, Pakistan needs skill-building, job creation programs, and technology-driven opportunities.

Guide for Unemployed People - How to Run Your Home Kitchen in This Situation

When unemployment affects the household, running a home kitchen becomes a major challenge. However, many practical and low-cost income opportunities can help families sustain themselves during this period.

Here are realistic and actionable suggestions for unemployed individuals:

1. Start Small Income Activities from Home

Many skills can turn into income without investment:

• Cooking and selling parathas, lunch boxes, tea

• Tailoring, stitching, and clothing repairs

• Beauty services for neighborhood ladies

• Tuition for children

• Home-based bakery items

These services require minimal cost and can start immediately.

2. Use Job Platforms for Quick Earning Opportunities

Websites like Dostyy.com provide direct access to employers:

• Chef & cooking jobs

• Domestic helper jobs

• Babysitting

• Driving jobs

• Delivery riders

• Factory helpers

• Part-time jobs

Related: How to Find a Job Faster

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3. Use Your Bike to Earn Daily Income

Having a bike is a blessing in today’s job market. You can immediately start:

• Food delivery (Foodpanda )

• Parcel delivery for online stores

• Pick & drop service

• Grocery delivery for your neighborhood

• On-call errands service

Average daily income can be Rs 1,000–3,000.

4. Sell Homemade Food and Essentials

Many people prefer home-cooked food for hygiene and taste. You can sell:

• Roti, paratha, curry meals

• Frozen samosas, kebabs, rolls

• Breakfast items for offices

• Homemade spices, pickles, chutneys

Start with neighbors, shops, or office employees.

5. Work as a Daily-Wage or Temporary Worker

Instead of waiting months for a perfect job, daily-wage work can help:

• Construction labour

• Packing jobs in factories

• Grocery store helpers

• Catering staff for events

• Warehouse helpers

These jobs provide immediate cash for running household expenses.

6. Reduce Expenses & Use Smart Budgeting

During unemployment, small financial choices matter:

• Buy groceries in bulk

• Cut unnecessary outings

• Share transportation

• Switch to energy-saving habits

• Avoid expensive branded products

A disciplined approach can reduce household pressure.

7. Stay Registered on Job Portals

Many unemployed people rely only on references, which limits opportunities.

Registering on Dostyy.com increases:

• Visibility to employers

• Access to verified jobs

• Chance of faster hiring

• Access to free job-matching features

This significantly improves job-hunting success.

Conclusion

The Pakistan Labour Force Survey 2024–25 paints a challenging picture, with unemployment rising and wages struggling to keep up with inflation. However, the data also highlights growing opportunities in the services sector, digital economy, and home-based businesses.

For unemployed individuals, this is a time to think creatively, utilize available skills, and benefit from platforms like Dostyy.com that connect job seekers with verified employers across Lahore and beyond.

With patience, smart decisions, and consistent effort, households can sustain their kitchens and eventually find better employment opportunities.