Unemployment Rate in Pakistan Rises to 7.1% Amid Economic Pressures

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily) — Pakistan’s unemployment rate has climbed to 7.1% in the current government’s tenure, up from 6.3% recorded in 2020–21, according to the latest National Labour Force Survey 2024–25 released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The report reveals that unemployment has increased by 0.8% over the past five years, with nearly 8 million people currently jobless in the country.

Based on the 2023 national census, Pakistan’s total population stands at 241.49 million. The labour force has now exceeded 77.2 million, while the working-age population is recorded at 43%, and the inactive population at 53.8%.

According to the survey, 3.3% of Pakistan’s population is unemployed. The services sector remains the largest provider of employment, followed by agriculture and industry. The services sector employs 31.83 million people, accounting for 41.7% of the total workforce.

Agriculture provides jobs to 25.53 million individuals, representing 33.1% of total employment, while the industrial sector employs 19.86 million people, making up 25.7% of the workforce.

The survey also highlights that Pakistan’s average monthly per capita wage has reached Rs 39,042 — an increase of Rs 15,014 over the last five years. In 2020–21, the average monthly wage stood at Rs 24,028. The average wage for men is recorded at Rs 39,302, while women earn an average of Rs 37,347 per month.

Chief Statistician Dr. Naeem Zafar stated that 196 data collectors and 34 field formations participated in the survey, with all data collected digitally. He added that Pakistan will meet three IMF conditions by December 2025. Following the Labour Force Survey, the Household Income Survey will be released next month.