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Pakistan’s labour force increases to 85.6 million in 2024-25

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Pakistan’s labour force increases to 85.6 million in 2024-25

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s labour force has increased to 85.6 million in 2024-25. This rise reflects broader changes in participation rates, employment levels and demographic engagement across provinces and gender groups.

Labour force expansion

The Labour Force Survey 2024-25 by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, which is the 37th round of the series, provides detailed findings on labour market participation, employment and unemployment. According to the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 document available with Wealth Pakistan, the labour force includes all persons aged ten years and above who were employed or unemployed during the reference week. It also adds 2.48 million own-use producers for comparability with earlier surveys.

The labour force increased from 71.8 million in 2020-21 to 85.6 million in 2024-25 under the 13th International Conference of Labour Statisticians framework. As a result, roughly 3.5 million people entered the labour market each year. Under the 19th ICLS definition, which excludes own-use subsistence agriculture producers, the labour force stands at 83.1 million, including 63.2 million males and 19.9 million females.

Higher participation rates

The labour force participation rate rose from 44.9 percent in 2020-21 to 47.7 percent in 2024-25. Male participation increased from 67.9 percent to 69.8 percent, while female participation grew from 21.4 percent to 24.4 percent. These changes show that more people are entering the labour market than before.

Participation also increased across localities. Rural participation rose from 48.6 percent to 52.3 percent. Similarly, urban participation increased from 38.8 percent to 40.8 percent. Under the 19th ICLS standards, the participation rate is 46.3 percent overall, with male participation at 68.7 percent and female participation at 22.7 percent.

Youth and working-age engagement

The survey also highlights changes in youth and working-age participation. For example, the participation rate for those aged 15 to 24 increased from 43.8 percent to 45.4 percent. Likewise, participation among the 15 to 64 working-age population rose from 54.7 percent to 57.3 percent. These shifts indicate that more young people and working-age individuals are joining the workforce.

Provincial and demographic variation

The survey contains a provincial breakdown that shows different levels of labour force engagement across Pakistan. It covers all four provinces and Islamabad and is based on responses from 53,974 households selected from 3,796 primary sampling units. Because the sample includes both rural and urban blocks, it provides a representative national picture.

The survey uses Census 2023 population figures adjusted with an annual growth rate of 2.075 percent. This adjustment allows the survey team to compute key labour indicators with updated population estimates.

Data collection approach

The Labour Force Survey was conducted through direct household interviews, and field teams used tablets to improve data accuracy. Field operations continued through four quarters from July 2024 to June 2025. Consequently, the survey captures seasonal variations in employment.

Pakistan has adopted revised definitions under the 19th ICLS framework to align with international standards. Even so, indicators such as participation rates, employment figures and unemployment levels are still reported under the 13th ICLS approach to allow comparison with previous surveys.

Key conclusion

Overall, the increase in the labour force and the rise in participation rates mark significant shifts in Pakistan’s labour market. The Labour Force Survey 2024-25 offers updated evidence for policymakers, planners and researchers working on employment, population and economic planning.

Pakistan’s average monthly wage increases to Rs39,042 in 2024-25

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Pakistan’s average monthly wage increases to Rs39,042 in 2024-25

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s average monthly wage for paid employees has increased to Rs39,042 in 2024-25, showing a substantial rise compared with the previous Labour Force Survey, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

National wage trends

The Labour Force Survey 2024-25 provides detailed wage statistics covering payment patterns, wage groups, occupational divisions, provincial differences and gender-based variations. According to the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 document available with Wealth Pakistan, the national average monthly wage increased from Rs24,028 in 2020-21 to Rs39,042 in 2024-25.

The survey notes that male paid employees earned an average of Rs39,302 per month in 2024-25, compared with Rs24,643 in the previous survey. Female paid employees earned an average of Rs37,347 compared with Rs20,117 in 2020-21. Although men continue to earn slightly more, women recorded a higher proportional increase in wages.

Wage groups and distribution

The survey documents how paid employees are distributed across wage brackets. The distribution highlights differences in earnings across low, middle and higher wage groups. It also reflects the concentration of workers in specific earning categories depending on factors such as education, occupation and region.

Provincial and rural–urban disparities

Wage distribution varies across provinces, reflecting differences in local labour markets and economic structures. Although detailed provincial figures are included in the full wage tables, the national trend of rising wages is consistent across all regions.

The survey also compares urban and rural earnings. Urban employees tend to be concentrated in higher wage groups, whereas rural workers are more widely spread across lower wage categories. These patterns highlight structural differences between urban and rural labour markets.

Wages across occupations

The survey provides wage averages for major occupational groups. These include:

  • legislators, senior officials and managers

  • professionals

  • technicians and associate professionals

  • clerks

  • service workers and shop sales workers

  • skilled agricultural and fishery workers

  • craft and related trades workers

  • plant and machine operators and assemblers

  • elementary occupations

Higher wages are generally recorded in managerial, professional and technical occupations. Lower wage averages are found in elementary and service-related occupations.

Wage differences by industry

The Labour Force Survey documents wage patterns across major industry divisions such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, transport and storage, communication, and community and personal services.

Sectors such as manufacturing, construction and transport show varied wage levels depending on skill requirements and employment arrangements. The survey also records differences in wages between formal and informal sector employees. Formal sector workers consistently receive higher average wages across provinces and gender groups.

Wage payment frequency

The survey includes information on how often employees receive wages. Monthly payments remain the most common and are particularly widespread in formal jobs. Weekly wage payments are more common in informal work, especially in construction and certain service occupations.

Methodology and data coverage

Wage data is collected through direct interviews with household members. The Labour Force Survey is based on 53,974 household interviews carried out across 3,796 primary sampling units. Fieldwork was conducted in four quarters from July 2024 to June 2025. Wage estimates use 2023 census-based projections adjusted by an annual growth rate of 2.075 percent.

Demographic and educational wage patterns

Wage distributions vary significantly by age group. Older workers generally earn higher wages due to experience and occupational progression. Younger workers tend to cluster in lower wage categories.

Education also plays a major role in wage outcomes. Higher levels of schooling are associated with higher earnings. Workers with technical or vocational training often record higher wages in skilled occupations compared with those who lack formal training.

Pakistan’s agri employment share declines to 35.1% in 2024-25

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Pakistan’s agri employment share declines to 35.1% in 2024-25

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s agriculture sector now accounts for 35.1 percent of total employment in 2024-25, indicating a shift in the country’s labour force composition, according to the latest findings of the Labour Force Survey.

Agriculture’s changing role in employment

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has released the 37th round of the Labour Force Survey. It documents detailed employment distribution across agriculture, industry and services, along with long-term changes in the labour market structure.

According to the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 document available with Wealth Pakistan, employment in agriculture, forestry and fishing fell from 37.4 percent in 2020-21 to 35.1 percent in 2024-25 under the 13th International Conference of Labour Statisticians framework.

The survey notes that agriculture remains the single largest source of employment, though its share has declined compared to previous rounds. It presents two measurement approaches. Under the 13th ICLS, own-use subsistence agriculture producers are included, while under the 19th ICLS they are excluded. Based on the 19th ICLS definition, agriculture’s employment share stands at 33.1 percent.

Comparison with industry and services

In contrast, the industry and services sectors hold a larger combined employment share. Under the 13th ICLS definition, industry accounts for 24.9 percent and services for 39.9 percent of total employment. Under the 19th ICLS approach, industry’s share rises to 25.7 percent and services stand at 41.2 percent.

These findings show that services continue to expand, led by wholesale and retail trade, community and personal services, transport and manufacturing. Together, these sectors play major roles in absorbing labour as agriculture’s share falls.

Gender-based sectoral patterns

The Labour Force Survey presents a detailed gender breakdown. Under the 19th ICLS definition, 61.4 percent of all employed women work in agriculture, compared to 24.5 percent of employed men. For men, the single largest share of employment is in wholesale and retail trade at 20.1 percent.

This shows that employment patterns differ sharply by gender, with women overwhelmingly concentrated in agriculture and men more evenly distributed across the three major sectors.

Shifts within industry and services

The survey also records changes within the industry and services sectors. Manufacturing employment stands at 14.8 percent under the 19th ICLS framework and 14.4 percent under the 13th ICLS definition, a slight decrease from 14.9 percent in 2020-21.

Construction employment increased marginally from 9.5 percent to 9.6 percent under the older definition and stands at 9.9 percent under the updated one. Wholesale and retail trade rose from 14.4 percent to 15.5 percent under the 13th ICLS definition. Transport, storage and communication increased from 6.2 percent to 6.4 percent. Community, social and personal services rose from 16.0 percent to 17.4 percent.

Occupational and educational distribution

The survey includes occupational categories such as managerial, professional, clerical, service-related, agricultural, craft-related, machine operation and basic labour roles. These categories align closely with sectoral employment patterns.

Education levels of workers also vary widely. Workers are distributed across all levels, including no schooling, primary, middle, matric, intermediate and degree qualifications.

Survey design and coverage

The Labour Force Survey uses a stratified two-stage sample design covering both rural and urban areas. Data was collected from 53,974 households across 3,796 primary sampling units, including 2,320 rural units and 1,476 urban units. Fieldwork was carried out through four quarters from July 2024 to June 2025 to capture seasonal variation.

The survey uses the 2023 census as its population base and applies an annual growth adjustment of 2.075 percent.

Key finding

The decline in agriculture’s employment share is accompanied by a gradual rise in non-agricultural employment. While agriculture remains central for rural livelihoods and continues to engage a large portion of the female workforce, the national labour force is shifting toward other sectors. The 2024-25 survey provides an updated statistical picture of Pakistan’s changing employment structure.

Pakistan reports extensive internal population migration in 2024-25

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Pakistan reports extensive internal population migration in 2024-25

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s migration patterns documented in the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 show extensive internal and inter-provincial movement among individuals aged ten years and above. The findings highlight major mobility trends across rural and urban areas.

Overview of migration trends

The 37th round of the national survey by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics includes detailed information on internal migration, duration of stay, reasons for movement and characteristics of migrant households. According to the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 document available with Wealth Pakistan, the migration section captures rural-to-urban, urban-to-rural and inter-provincial flows.

The survey defines migration as movement from one district to another or from one province to another for residence. It records the current and previous places of residence to classify individuals as migrants. Demographic information such as age, sex and education is also included, along with the proportion of migrants in the national population.

Reasons behind internal migration

The survey shows that people migrate for a wide range of reasons. These include family-related movement, employment, marriage, education and other personal or economic factors. Gender-based patterns are also evident. Women most commonly migrate due to marriage, while men more frequently move for employment. Student movement for educational reasons is also recorded across districts and provinces.

Duration of stay in current residence

The dataset includes information on how long migrants have lived at their current location. Duration categories include less than one year, one to four years, five to nine years and ten or more years. These distinctions help identify whether migration is recent or long-term. The survey also notes return migration, where individuals move back to a previous district or province after living elsewhere.

Provincial and rural–urban patterns

The Labour Force Survey presents provincial breakdowns showing both incoming and outgoing migrants. Urban centres attract a significant share of migrants due to better employment and education opportunities, although rural areas also record notable movement driven by social and livelihood-related reasons.

The dataset distinguishes between rural and urban localities and highlights how migration patterns differ between these areas. Each province shows a unique mix of internal and inter-provincial mobility.

Education and employment characteristics of migrants

The survey records the education levels of migrants, with distributions ranging from no schooling to higher education. This helps identify whether migration is more common among individuals with particular educational backgrounds.

Employment characteristics of migrants are also presented. The dataset shows the industries they work in, their employment status and their occupational categories. This helps illustrate how migrant workers are positioned in the national labour force.

Household-level migration insights

The Labour Force Survey documents the structure of migrant households. It records how many individuals within a household migrated, whether the entire household moved together or in segments and whether the household head is a migrant. These details provide insights into the dynamics of household mobility.

Survey methodology

Data for the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 was collected from 53,974 households using a stratified two-stage sampling design that covers all provinces and Islamabad. Migration information was collected through the household schedule and compiled into national and provincial indicators. The sampling framework uses the 2023 census base population with an annual growth adjustment of 2.075 percent.

Key takeaway

The migration section of the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 offers a comprehensive statistical account of internal and inter-provincial mobility in Pakistan. It documents reasons for movement, demographic profiles, duration of stay and the employment patterns of migrants across the country.

72.1% of employed persons classified as informal sector workers

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72.1% of employed persons classified as informal sector workers

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s non-agricultural workforce remains predominantly informal, with 72.1 percent of employed persons classified as informal sector workers in 2024-25, according to findings of the latest Labour Force Survey.

Overview of informal sector employment

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has released the 37th round of the Labour Force Survey, which documents trends in formal and informal employment across provinces, gender groups and occupational categories. According to the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 document available with Wealth Pakistan, more than seven in ten non-agricultural workers remain outside the formal sector.

The survey defines informal sector employment as work performed in unregistered or unregulated enterprises. The formal sector includes workers and businesses registered under relevant laws. The 13th International Conference of Labour Statisticians definition is used for non-agricultural employment, while the 19th ICLS definition applies to overall employment.

National and gender-based trends

Under the 13th ICLS definition, informal employment accounts for 72.1 percent of non-agriculture employment in 2024-25, compared with 72.5 percent in 2020-21. This reflects a slight decline in informal employment and a marginal increase in formal sector participation, which rose from 27.5 percent to 27.9 percent.

The survey highlights gender-related differences in formal and informal employment. Female participation in the formal sector is higher than male participation. In 2024-25, 33.7 percent of female non-agricultural workers were in the formal sector, compared to 27.0 percent of male workers. Male workers dominate the informal sector, where 73.0 percent of non-agricultural workers are employed, compared to 66.3 percent of females.

Urban–rural differences

The informal sector share is higher in rural Pakistan. Informal employment accounts for 75.5 percent of non-agricultural workers in rural areas, while in urban areas it stands at 68.3 percent. In contrast, formal sector employment stands at 24.5 percent in rural areas and 31.7 percent in urban localities.

The survey also highlights provincial variations. Punjab and Sindh show higher formal sector shares, driven by their large urban economies, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan report higher informal employment levels.

Informal sector by industry and occupation

The survey provides detailed distributions across industry divisions. Wholesale and retail trade, construction, transport and small-scale manufacturing account for a large share of informal jobs.

Most informal workers fall under elementary occupations, craft and related trades, machine operation and service activities. Informal sector employment is prominent among own-account workers and contributing family workers. These groups include individuals running small, unregistered businesses or assisting family enterprises without formal contracts.

The survey also presents educational profiles of informal workers. They are represented across all education levels, including individuals with no schooling and those with primary or middle education.

Formal sector characteristics

The report documents features of formal employment as well. Workers in the formal sector are concentrated in manufacturing, education, health, public administration and corporate services. These workers are more likely to have written contracts, registered employment and access to employment benefits.

The occupational structure of formal employees includes professional, technical, managerial, clerical and service roles. These employees are largely concentrated in urban areas.

Survey design and data coverage

The Labour Force Survey uses a stratified two-stage sample design. In total, 53,974 households were interviewed across 3,796 sample blocks, covering all four provinces and Islamabad. Fieldwork was conducted quarterly from July 2024 to June 2025.

The survey uses 2023 census population estimates, adjusted with an annual growth rate of 2.075 percent. Employment indicators are reported under both the 13th and 19th ICLS frameworks to enable comparability with the 2020-21 survey.

Key conclusion

Under the 19th ICLS definition, which includes both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, the informal employment share rises to 80.8 percent of total employment. The survey findings indicate that Pakistan’s labour market remains heavily informal, with only 19.2 percent of the workforce engaged in the formal sector.

45.4 million women performed domestic, care work in 2024-25

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45.4 million women performed domestic, care work in 2024-25

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (Wealth Pakistan): A total of 45.4 million women performed domestic and care work in Pakistan during 2024-25, according to the latest findings of the Labour Force Survey released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Overview of domestic and care work

The survey presents, for the first time in its updated format, detailed estimates of individuals undertaking unpaid household and care-related tasks. These activities are recorded for both men and women, with women forming the majority.

According to the Labour Force Survey 2024-25 document available with Wealth Pakistan, domestic and care work includes cooking, cleaning, washing, managing household tasks, caring for children and older persons, and supporting other household members. These tasks are unpaid and are not classified as employment, but they represent a large share of non-market work carried out nationwide.

National distribution of domestic tasks

The survey shows that 53.1 million individuals performed unpaid domestic and care activities in 2024-25. Out of these, 45.4 million were females and 7.7 million were males.

The data groups domestic and care work into several task categories. These include food preparation, household cleaning, washing clothes and linens, caregiving for children and older persons, and other support activities. Individuals may complete one or several tasks depending on household needs and personal circumstances.

Participation across age groups and localities

The survey records participation in domestic and care work across all age groups. Adults represent the largest share, although contributions are also noted among younger and older individuals.

Domestic and care work is widespread in both rural and urban areas. Rural households generally report higher participation due to family structures and the availability of household-based support systems.

Updated questionnaire and international alignment

The Labour Force Survey now uses an expanded questionnaire aligned with recommendations from the 19th and 21st International Conference of Labour Statisticians. This update improves the measurement of unpaid household labour and allows comparison with future survey rounds.

The revised questionnaire collects information on time spent on tasks, secondary household activities, and whether individuals performing domestic work are also engaged in employment or education.

Provincial and regional variation

Provincial data presented in the survey’s graphical annex shows variation across regions and between urban and rural areas. Rural localities tend to record higher participation, although urban areas also show substantial involvement in unpaid domestic work.

Pakistan’s household structure, including extended family arrangements, influences the distribution of unpaid domestic and care responsibilities across regions.

Domestic work combined with other activities

The survey also notes whether individuals engaged in domestic and care work perform other productive tasks. These include paid employment, subsistence farming, contributing family work or institutional education. Many individuals performing domestic work are also enrolled in education or manage multiple responsibilities within the household.

Survey design and methodology

The Labour Force Survey 2024-25 is based on a nationally representative sample of 53,974 households. The sample was selected through a stratified two-stage sampling design covering 3,796 primary sampling units, including 1,476 urban and 2,320 rural blocks.

Data was collected from July 2024 to June 2025 and is based on the 2023 census population estimates adjusted by an annual growth rate of 2.075 percent.

Key finding

The survey shows that unpaid domestic and care work remains a major component of household activity in Pakistan. A total of 45.4 million women and 7.7 million men performed these tasks in 2024-25. The updated survey documentation provides a comprehensive and expanded measurement of this essential but unpaid segment of national labour.

Services sector posts 20% growth in exports but deficit persists

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Services sector posts 20% growth in exports but deficit persists

ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s services sector recorded strong export growth in September. However, the overall services trade balance remained in deficit, according to the Monthly Trade Report for October 2025 issued by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). The report includes the latest compiled services data for September and the July–September period.

September sees 20% rise in services exports

Pakistan’s services exports for September 2025-26 reached 796.73 million dollars. Last year, these exports stood at 662.52 million dollars, showing an increase of 20.26 percent.

Services imports during the same month amounted to 995.23 million dollars. These were 964.67 million dollars last year, showing a rise of 3.17 percent.

This resulted in a services trade deficit of 198.50 million dollars. The deficit was lower than the 302.15 million dollars recorded in September last year, showing a decrease of 34.30 percent.

July–September period shows higher exports but wider deficit

For July–September, Pakistan’s services exports totaled 2,199.12 million dollars. Last year, the figure stood at 1,914.85 million dollars, marking an increase of 14.85 percent.

Services imports for the same period reached 3,129.59 million dollars, compared with 2,814.80 million dollars last year, reflecting a rise of 11.18 percent.

The services trade deficit for July–September stood at 930.47 million dollars. Last year, the deficit amounted to 899.95 million dollars, showing an increase of 3.39 percent.

Services sector remains an important contributor

The report notes that the services sector continues to play an important role in Pakistan’s external trade flows. Export growth during September outpaced last year’s performance. However, higher imports kept the services balance in negative territory for both the monthly and cumulative periods.

The TDAP report states that the data is provisional and based on information from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and other official sources. These figures may be revised once final numbers become available.

Broader trade trends mirror services performance

The broader trade context from the goods sector, also included in the report, shows similar patterns. Goods imports rose during July–October, contributing to a wider overall trade deficit. Despite this, the services sector showed relatively stronger year-on-year export growth, helping partially offset losses in the goods account.

The report notes that the services figures were compiled as part of TDAP’s regular monthly monitoring and reflect data available up to November 17, 2025.

SBP injects liquidity through Shariah, conventional OMOs

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SBP injects liquidity through Shariah, conventional OMOs

ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (Wealth Pakistan): The State Bank of Pakistan carried out two separate liquidity operations on Thursday, injecting funds into the money market through both Shariah-compliant Mudarabah-based Open Market Operations (OMOs) and a conventional reverse repo purchase. The operations reflect the central bank’s ongoing efforts to maintain short-term liquidity and support financial stability.

Islamic OMO records strong participation

In the Shariah-compliant Mudarabah-based OMO, banks submitted five quotes for the 1-day tenor. The quoted return range was between 11.17 percent and 11.05 percent.

Of these, four quotes were accepted.
The face value of bids received stood at Rs146,500 million, while the accepted amount totaled Rs132,500 million.

In realized terms, the total amount offered was Rs147,211 million, and the accepted realized value reached Rs133,237 million.
The uniform accepted rate of return for the operation was 11.08 percent.

This short-term injection shows the central bank’s continued reliance on Shariah-compliant instruments to support Islamic banking institutions working under Mudarabah structures.

Conventional reverse repo operation accepted in full

On the conventional side, the State Bank conducted a 1-day reverse repo purchase. Participating institutions submitted seven quotes, with returns ranging between 11.12 percent and 11.10 percent.

All seven quotes were accepted, reflecting strong interest among market participants.

The face value of both the offered and accepted amounts was Rs512,600 million.
The realized value of the bid and accepted amounts was Rs497,186 million.
The accepted rate of return for this operation stood at 11.10 percent.

SBP maintains dual-track liquidity support

The two liquidity injections highlight the SBP’s dual-track approach to managing money-market conditions. By supporting both Islamic and conventional institutions, the central bank aims to maintain balanced liquidity across the financial system.

The close alignment between accepted profit and interest rates signals a stable short-term money-market environment. These operations form part of the SBP’s broader monetary-management framework designed to ensure orderly market functioning and strengthen overall financial stability.

Pakistan’s exports to Europe rise but shipments to Asia, Africa fall

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Pakistan’s exports to Europe rise but shipments to Asia, Africa fall

ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s regional export performance in October recorded mixed results, with shipments to Europe increasing while exports to Asia and Africa declined. The Monthly Trade Report for October 2025, issued by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), also highlights similar patterns for the July–October period, showing continued strength in the European market and persistent weakness in several Asian and African destinations.

Europe and Oceania record gains in October

Pakistan’s exports to Europe reached 1,038 million dollars in October. Last year, these were 1,010 million dollars, showing an increase of 3 percent.

Exports to Oceania also grew slightly. Shipments reached 29 million dollars, compared with 28 million dollars last year, marking a rise of 6 percent.

However, exports to Asia fell to 984 million dollars. Last year, these totaled 1,062 million dollars, reflecting a decline of 7 percent.

Exports to America stood at 617 million dollars, down from 631 million dollars last year, showing a decline of 2 percent.

Exports to Africa dropped sharply. Shipments fell to 182 million dollars, compared with 248 million dollars last year, marking a fall of 27 percent.

July–October: Europe and America show improvement

Exports to Europe during July–October totaled 3,967 million dollars. Last year, these were 3,912 million dollars, reflecting an increase of 1 percent.

Exports to the American region rose to 2,477 million dollars, up from 2,350 million dollars last year, marking a rise of 5 percent.

In contrast, exports to Asia fell to 3,273 million dollars. Last year, these were 3,763 million dollars, showing a decline of 13 percent.

Exports to Africa totaled 646 million dollars during July–October. Last year, these were 711 million dollars, showing a fall of 9 percent.

Exports to Oceania stood at 105 million dollars, slightly lower than 107 million dollars last year, reflecting a decline of 2 percent.

Imports from Asia, Europe and America increase in October

Pakistan’s imports from Asia reached 4,524 million dollars in October. Last year, these were 3,396 million dollars, showing a rise of 33 percent.

Imports from Europe increased to 432 million dollars. Last year, these were 379 million dollars, marking an increase of 14 percent.

Imports from America stood at 290 million dollars, up from 246 million dollars, showing a rise of 18 percent.

Imports from Africa fell to 269 million dollars. Last year, these totaled 284 million dollars, reflecting a decline of 5 percent.

Imports from Oceania decreased to 38 million dollars, compared with 51 million dollars last year, showing a fall of 25 percent.

July–October: Strong import growth from major regions

During July–October, imports from Asia rose to 17,034 million dollars. Last year, these were 13,948 million dollars, showing an increase of 22 percent.

Imports from Europe reached 1,563 million dollars, up from 1,413 million dollars last year, showing growth of 11 percent.

Imports from America totaled 1,238 million dollars, compared with 768 million dollars last year, marking a rise of 61 percent.

Imports from Africa stood at 863 million dollars. Last year, these were 1,028 million dollars, reflecting a decline of 16 percent.

Imports from Oceania fell to 181 million dollars, down from 199 million dollars last year, showing a drop of 9 percent.

Trade flows show shifting regional patterns

The figures indicate shifting trends in Pakistan’s regional trade flows, with Europe and America showing positive momentum, while Asia and Africa recorded noticeable declines in both exports and imports during the period under review.

Pakistan’s top export commodities show mixed trends in Oct

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Pakistan’s top export commodities show mixed trends in Oct

ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s export commodities recorded mixed performances in October, with several textile categories showing modest growth and petroleum-related products posting sharp increases. At the same time, major food items such as rice and oilseeds registered significant declines, according to the Monthly Trade Report for October 2025 issued by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

Textile and garment exports show modest growth

Exports of bed linen, table linen and related products reached 399 million dollars in October. Last year, these were 388 million dollars, showing an increase of 3 percent.

Exports of men’s and boys’ garments under HS code 6203 stood at 271 million dollars. Last year, these were 289 million dollars, showing a decline of 6 percent.

Exports of petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals increased sharply. Shipments rose to 222 million dollars, compared with 31 million dollars last year, marking a surge of 618 percent.

Food-related exports decline sharply

Rice exports dropped to 163 million dollars from 367 million dollars last year, marking a fall of 56 percent.

Exports of oilseeds under HS code 1207 fell to 34 million dollars. Last year, these were 95 million dollars, showing a decline of 64 percent.

Exports of meat of bovine animals rose slightly to 34 million dollars, compared with 33 million dollars last year.

Value-added textile categories show mixed patterns

Exports of jerseys, pullovers and cardigans totaled 92 million dollars. Last year, these were 89 million dollars, showing an increase of 3 percent.

T-shirt exports reached 71 million dollars, slightly above the 70 million dollars recorded last year.

Exports of women’s and girls’ suits and jackets rose to 63 million dollars, up from 38 million dollars last year, reflecting an increase of 67 percent.

Hosiery exports under HS code 6115 reached 55 million dollars, compared with 56 million dollars last year. This shows a marginal decline.

Exports of cotton yarn and related items recorded a slight decrease.

July–October: Bed linen remains top export commodity

During July–October, bed linen remained Pakistan’s largest export commodity. Shipments totaled 1,580 million dollars, compared with 1,501 million dollars last year, showing a rise of 5 percent.

Exports of men’s and boys’ garments under HS code 6203 reached 1,051 million dollars. Last year, these were 1,087 million dollars, showing a decline of 3 percent.

Rice exports amounted to 590 million dollars. Last year, these were 1,074 million dollars, showing a decline of 45 percent.

Petroleum and value-added textiles show strong gains

Exports of petroleum oils and refined products increased to 327 million dollars during July–October. Last year, these were 147 million dollars, showing a rise of 123 percent.

Several value-added textile categories also showed growth:

  • Jerseys and pullovers: 378 million dollars (up from 334 million dollars, +13%)

  • T-shirts: 257 million dollars (up from 245 million dollars, +5%)

  • Socks and hosiery under HS code 6115: 240 million dollars (up from 212 million dollars, +13%)

  • Women’s and girls’ suits and jackets under HS code 6204: 239 million dollars (up from 144 million dollars, +66%)

Growth in engineering, cement and fruit exports

Exports of medical and surgical instruments under HS code 9018 rose slightly to 154 million dollars, compared with 150 million dollars last year.

Cement exports reached 135 million dollars. Last year, these were 105 million dollars, showing an increase of 29 percent.

Fruit exports under HS code 804 rose to 102 million dollars, compared with 87 million dollars last year, showing an increase of 17 percent.

Overall performance remains mixed

The figures reflect varied export trends across sectors during both October and the broader July–October period, with some categories strengthening while others lost momentum.

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