Pakistan Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Pakistan's services employment was 38.51% in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Pakistan's services employment stood at 38.51% in 2025, a rise of +0.24% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 38.79% by 2026. Pakistan ranked 28th globally.
Pakistan's services employment has exhibited fluctuations over the past three and a half decades. At its peak in 1997, services employment reached 39.76, ranking the country among nations with higher service-oriented workforces, such as Tajikistan, which reached a similar value in 2025. Conversely, the services employment rate hit a low of 34.14 in 2016, ranking Pakistan lower than countries like Cambodia, which maintained a higher level at 37.72 in 2025. The latest available data indicates a services employment rate of 38.51 in 2025, placing Pakistan at the 28th position globally. Since 1991, services employment has grown by 8.16 percentage points, reflecting a relatively moderate increase in the service sector's contribution to the economy. However, the trajectory of Pakistan's services employment is likely to be influenced by future economic reforms and shifts in global trade policies, particularly the implementation of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 39.29% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 39.04% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 38.79% | - | - |
| 2025 | 38.51% | +0.24% | #28 |
| 2024 | 38.27% | +0.20% | #28 |
| 2023 | 38.07% | +0.22% | #30 |
| 2022 | 37.85% | +0.38% | #31 |
| 2021 | 37.47% | +0.55% | #32 |
| 2020 | 36.92% | −0.44% | #30 |
| 2019 | 37.36% | −0.24% | #29 |
| 2018 | 37.59% | +1.74% | #31 |
| 2017 | 35.85% | +1.71% | #26 |
| 2016 | 34.14% | −0.83% | #26 |
| 2015 | 34.97% | +0.08% | #29 |
| 2014 | 34.89% | +0.05% | #29 |
| 2013 | 34.84% | +0.23% | #32 |
| 2012 | 34.61% | +0.27% | #33 |
| 2011 | 34.34% | −0.42% | #34 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Pakistan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistan's services employment was 38.51% in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from the previous year.
Pakistan's services employment peaked at 39.76% in 1997.
The lowest services employment in Pakistan was 34.14% in 2016.
Pakistan ranks 28th globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Pakistan's services employment is projected to reach 38.79% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Pakistan in 2025 was 38.51%. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_pakistan_services-employment,
title = {Pakistan Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/pakistan/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}