ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (Alliance News): Pakistan has officially unveiled its Gender Pay Gap Report along with a comprehensive National Action Plan aimed at addressing wage disparities between men and women. The initiative seeks to ensure equal pay for equal work, improve women’s workforce participation, and foster inclusive economic development.
The report, jointly developed by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), provides a deep dive into the extent of wage inequality in Pakistan. It outlines short, medium, and long-term strategies to close the gender pay gap and foster a more equitable labour market.
Key findings show that women in wage employment earn 25–30% less than their male counterparts, with the gap stretching to 40% in the informal sector due to weak legal protections and enforcement. The study attributes the disparity to factors such as occupational segregation, informal employment, and discriminatory hiring and wage practices. Notably, a significant portion of the gap cannot be explained by education or experience, pointing to structural inequalities.
The launch event gathered policymakers, employers, workers’ representatives, labour inspectors, academics, and members of wage boards. Together, they endorsed a reform roadmap that aligns with international labour standards, including ILO Convention No. 100 on Equal Remuneration and Convention No. 111 on Discrimination.
Federal Secretary MOPHRD, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, described the report as “a critical step forward” in eliminating economic barriers faced by women. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving wage equality through legal reforms and policy interventions.
ILO Country Director Geir Tonstol praised Pakistan’s shift from “diagnosis to action” and reaffirmed the ILO’s support for establishing fair wage systems and creating formal employment opportunities for women.
ILO experts shared global best practices, calling for structural reforms such as skill certification, career-linked employment paths, and flexible work arrangements to support women’s economic empowerment.
The National Action Plan includes measures to formalize women’s work, enhance skills development, and implement gender-responsive wage-setting policies. It also recognizes the economic value of unpaid caregiving roles typically undertaken by women.
