Pakistan Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Pakistan's labor force participation was 52.34% in 2025, ranked 147th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's labor force participation stood at 52.34% in 2025, a rise of +0.03pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 52.16% by 2026. Pakistan ranked 147th globally.
Pakistan's labor force participation rate has shown a relatively modest increase over the past three and a half decades, with the latest figure standing at 52.34%. This rate has improved since the all-time trough of 48.36% in 1995, indicating a gradual increase in the workforce's engagement. The all-time peak of 52.73% was recorded in 2021, a year before the latest reading. Compared to its peer countries, Pakistan's labor force participation rate is closest to French Polynesia, with a rate of 52.37%. Despite this progress, Pakistan still ranks 147 globally in terms of labor force participation. The labor force participation rate has been steadily increasing since 1990, when the rate was 49.35%. A sustained improvement in education and job opportunities could potentially boost Pakistan's labor force participation rate further, potentially altering the country's trajectory in the global rankings.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 51.99% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 52.08% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 52.16% | - | - |
| 2025 | 52.34% | +0.03pp | #147 |
| 2024 | 52.31% | −0.06pp | #150 |
| 2023 | 52.37% | −0.03pp | #149 |
| 2022 | 52.41% | −0.32pp | #152 |
| 2021 | 52.73% | +1.14pp | #143 |
| 2020 | 51.59% | −0.01pp | #148 |
| 2019 | 51.60% | +0.60pp | #154 |
| 2018 | 50.99% | −0.34pp | #155 |
| 2017 | 51.34% | −0.34pp | #155 |
| 2016 | 51.68% | −0.34pp | #153 |
| 2015 | 52.03% | +1.03pp | #152 |
| 2014 | 51.00% | −0.45pp | #155 |
| 2013 | 51.45% | +0.34pp | #152 |
| 2012 | 51.11% | +0.34pp | #153 |
| 2011 | 50.78% | −0.22pp | #154 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's labor force participation was 52.34% in 2025. Ranked 147th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Pakistan's labor force participation peaked at 52.73% in 2021.
The lowest labor force participation in Pakistan was 48.36% in 1995.
Pakistan ranks 147th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's labor force participation is projected to reach 52.16% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Pakistan in 2025 was 52.34%. This ranks 147th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_labor-force-participation,
title = {Pakistan Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}