Decent work in Pakistan

ILO Pakistan delivering on its commitment towards ensuring decent work in the textile and ready-made garment sector in Pakistan. © Human Design Studios/ILO
The workforce in Pakistan stands at 71.76 million, with only 21.4 per cent comprising women. A significant portion, 84 per cent, operates in the informal economy, and 4.51 million are unemployed. Furthermore, Pakistan hosts a youthful population, with nearly 60 per cent under the age of 30, of which 32.5 per cent lack education, employment or training.

To address these challenges, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has collaborated with tripartite constituents to establish the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) IV for Pakistan, covering the period from 2023 to 2027. The focus on decent and productive work, encompassing fair remuneration and safe conditions, is crucial for reducing poverty and fostering equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development.

The ILO is committed to developing approaches that prioritize decent work within economic and social policies. This involves partnering with key institutions and actors in the multilateral system and the global economy. The ILO's actions in Pakistan are focused on adopting decent work as a national objective and aiding ILO constituents in achieving this goal.

The DWCP aligns with various frameworks, including Pakistan's Vision 2025, the ILO Centenary Declaration, the global call for a human-centered recovery from COVID-19, and the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. Emphasizing gender equality and inclusivity, the DWCP will be implemented through tripartite governance, involving the ILO Country Office, constituents, and other stakeholders. The outcomes will be aligned with the Pakistan United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-27 and supported by diverse financial and human resources.

The programme's four key priorities include promoting decent work in economic recovery and climate response, expanding social protection coverage, reinforcing adherence to international labour standards and fundamental principles and rights at work, and fostering safe, healthy, gender-responsive workplaces free of violence and harassment. The DWCP is fully aligned with and designed to support the implementation of the decent work-related elements of Pakistan’s National Development Framework, Vision 2025 (2014–25).