Pakistan Home-Based Workers Struggle on Wages of Rs. 50 Per Hour

Home-based workers in Pakistan earn as little as Rs. 50 per hour while facing high living costs, unpaid labor, and workplace issues.

NationPulse Desk

Oct 21, 2026 · 10:11 PM 1 min read

Pakistan Home-Based Workers Struggle on Wages of Rs. 50 Per Hour

Key takeaways

Home-based workers in Pakistan earn as little as Rs. 50 per hour.
Wages have remained unchanged for the past three years despite rising living costs.
The issue was discussed at an event in Lahore marking International Home-Based Workers Day.
Jamila, vice president of the Home-Based Workers Union, urged workers to form local union units for fair wages and better conditions.

Financial struggles persist for home-based laborers across Pakistan, as hourly earnings drop to Rs. 50 amidst escalating household costs, utility bills, and overall inflation.

Lahore hosted a gathering observing International Home-Based Workers Day to spotlight the crisis, where attendees noted that compensation rates have stayed flat for three years, leaving households struggling to pay for essentials.

Speakers at the gathering also raised worries regarding unpaid labor, harassment on the job, and wage gaps based on gender. Jamila, who serves as vice president of the Home-Based Workers Union, stated that repetitive duties and extended shifts lead to physical ailments for laborers.

She called on home-based laborers to set up neighborhood union chapters to jointly push for equitable pay, improved labor conditions, and stronger rights safeguarding.

Why it matters

Home-based workers and their families in Pakistan are affected by stagnant wages and high living expenses, making it hard to afford basic necessities.