The gig economy has been growing rapidly in Pakistan, with a 2017 report by the Oxford Internet Institute (OII) ranking Pakistan 4th in the global digital gig marketplace, accounting for 8% of total freelance work. In 2022, the country generated $1 billion in revenue entirely from freelancing gigs. However, while the gig economy has been embraced by many in Pakistan, it is mostly composed of workers who were previously unemployed or have very little experience. This has led to higher participation rates among women and youth, who make up a significant portion of the country’s labor force.
The rise of on-demand startups like Ghar Par and Mauqa.online has further supported the gig economy’s growth in Pakistan. However, larger companies like Uber and Careem have also contributed to this trend by offering more flexible and dignified employment options.
