Informal economy: Over 80pc of workers employed with limited rights, social security: ILO

International Labour Organisation (ILO) findings showed that more than 80 percent of workers in Pakistan are employed in the informal economy, with limited rights, protection, and social security. Representatives of government, employers’ and workers’ organisations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the transition to formal and protected work at a national tripartite forum convened by the ILO under the Promoting Rights and Social Inclusion through Organisation and Formalisation (PRS) Phase 2 Project. The forum brought together over 300 participants to review progress in extending labour and social protection to workers in sectors with high levels of informality — including domestic work, sanitation, and the plastic value chain and to identify priorities for scaling up sustainable interventions. Participants emphasised that strengthening institutions, expanding social dialogue, and improving access to protection mechanisms are essential to improving working conditions and ensuring decent work.