Pakistan
Pakistan has nearly 2 percent of its labour force engaged in the gig economy through online and location-based services. An estimated half a million workers in the country work in the location-based platform economy, but it has been encouraging a race to the bottom regarding working conditions.
For the third year, Fairwork and the Centre for Labour Research have rated the working conditions on six of the most popular gig economy platforms offering ride-hailing, food delivery, and professional beauty services. The six platforms fell short in all criteria of fair work practices.
Related press coverage
Aches, pains, and no health insurance for aging gig workers
rest of world, 20 May 2024
Pakistan has one of the youngest populations in the world, which means older gig workers are seldom the focus of platform policies.
Drive fast and carry a fake wallet: How Pakistan’s gig workers stay safe
rest of world, 18 September 2023
Ride-hailing drivers aren't fully insured against crime, so they've developed high- and low-tech hacks to protect themselves.
InDrive wanted to make ride-hailing fairer. Drivers say it has made them poorer.
rest of world, 17 October 2023
The company overtook Careem to dominate ride-hailing in Pakistan, but drivers say they're underpaid and overworked.
Pakistan’s platform economy
The News on Sunday, 10 September 2023
Pakistan can chart a course towards a future where the digital realm harmoniously achieves innovation and worker’s well-being.
Related blogs
Regulating for a Fairer Platform Economy: Consultation at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services
22 November 2023
Second Fairwork Pakistan report finds none of the Pakistani platforms meet fair work thresholds
29 August 2023
The gig economy risks rolling back hard-fought gender-based entitlements in the workplace
28 June 2023
Phenix Centre hosts annual Fairwork Summit in Jordan, bringing together global experts on the future of platform work
7 June 2023