Ayesha Saba

Pakistan’s unemployed population has increased to 5.9 million during 2024-25, reflecting changes captured in the latest national Labour Force Survey which documents detailed unemployment trends across gender, age groups and regions. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has released the 37th round of the Labour Force Survey, covering 53,974 households and presenting comprehensive indicators derived from the 13th and 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians frameworks.

According to the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 document available with Wealth Pakistan, unemployment levels have risen in both absolute and percentage terms compared to the 2020-21 survey. The survey records that the number of unemployed persons aged ten years and above increased from 4.5 million in 2020-21 to 5.9 million in 2024-25 under the 13th ICLS definition.

Under the 19th ICLS definition, the number of unemployed persons remains the same because the classification change affects only the definition of employment and not unemployment. Out of the total unemployed in 2024-25, 3.8 million are male and 2.1 million are female. The gender distribution indicates that while unemployment affects both men and women, the unemployment rate for females is significantly higher.

The national unemployment rate rose from 6.3 percent in 2020-21 to 6.9 percent in 2024-25 under the 13th ICLS methodology. For males, the unemployment rate increased from 5.5 percent to 5.9 percent, while for females it rose from 8.9 percent to 9.7 percent. Under the 19th ICLS standards, the national unemployment rate is 7.1 percent, with male unemployment at 6.0 percent and female unemployment at 10.5 percent. These figures show that women continue to experience a higher unemployment rate under both definitions.

The survey includes an urban and rural breakdown. Unemployment in urban areas stood at 8.0 percent in 2024-25 compared to 7.3 percent in 2020-21. Rural unemployment increased from 5.8 percent to 6.3 percent. Under the 19th ICLS methodology, urban unemployment is 8.2 percent and rural unemployment is 6.5 percent. The data shows higher unemployment in urban regions, a pattern consistent with previous surveys.

Age-wise indicators also show a rising trend. Among youth aged 15 to 24, unemployment increased from 11.1 percent to 12.6 percent. For the 15 to 29 age group, unemployment rose from 10.3 percent to 11.5 percent. Under the 19th ICLS approach, youth unemployment stands at 12.9 percent for the 15 to 24 age group and 11.8 percent for the 15 to 29 age group. These youth-specific indicators highlight the challenges new entrants face in securing employment.

The Labour Force Survey also provides educational distribution of the unemployed population. It includes unemployment levels among individuals with no schooling, primary, middle, matric, intermediate, degree-level and technical qualifications. The survey records differences in unemployment by education level, with some groups experiencing higher unemployment rates than others.

It further documents past work experience of the unemployed population, the duration of unemployment, the industries in which they were previously employed, and reasons for non-availability for work among those not currently seeking employment. The report covers underemployment, which is reflected in the proportion of employed individuals who worked fewer hours than they were willing or available to work.

Nationally, the underemployment rate stands at 1.6 percent. For males, it is 1.6 percent and for females, it is 1.9 percent. Underemployment is slightly higher in urban areas compared to rural ones. The survey notes that unemployment data were collected using direct household interviews conducted over four quarters to capture seasonal variations. The reference period for employment status remains the week preceding the interview.

The findings are based on population estimates derived from the 2023 census adjusted with an annual growth rate of 2.075 percent. The dual-reporting of indicators under both ICLS definitions allows comparison with the 2020-21 Labour Force Survey while aligning national statistics with updated global standards.

The increase in the unemployed population to 5.9 million and the rise in unemployment rates reflect the labour market position documented in the Labour Force Survey 2024-25. The data provides an extensive view of unemployment patterns across demographic groups, regions and education levels.

Credit: INP-WealthPk