Pakistan Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
Pakistan's unemployment rate was 5.42% in December 2025, down from 5.49% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 5.49%.
Pakistan's unemployment rate stands at 5.42% as of December 2025. The unemployment rate currently sits at 5.42% (down from 5.49% in the prior year). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 0.40% and 6.34%, and is 0.07% lower than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 226 economies tracked on this platform, Pakistan ranks #79 on unemployment rate by latest value. It fell from 5.49% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 5.49%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 5.42% |
| Dec 2024 | 5.49% |
| Dec 2023 | 5.24% |
| Dec 2022 | 5.29% |
| Dec 2021 | 6.34% |
| Dec 2020 | 5.99% |
| Dec 2019 | 4.83% |
| Dec 2018 | 4.08% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in Pakistan in 2026?
Pakistan's unemployment rate was 5.42% in December 2025, down from 5.49% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 5.49%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in Pakistan?
It fell in the latest reading — 5.42% in December 2025 versus 5.49% a year earlier. Year on year it is lower.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.