As Pakistan experiences economic uncertainties and inflation, a ray of light shines through digital platforms, offering a transformative outlook on the future of work. The gig economy, once a niche trend, has now become a fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s evolving employment landscape.
Globally, digital platforms have revolutionised perceptions of work, and Pakistan is no exception. With an increasing reliance on these platforms by businesses and consumers alike, the job market is shifting toward inclusivity.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasises that digital platforms are creating new opportunities, particularly for women, persons with disabilities, and youth who have historically been marginalised in traditional labour markets. This inclusive nature is particularly relevant to Pakistan, where large segments of the population remain underrepresented in the formal workforce.
Young adults in Pakistan are also using gig platforms to support themselves, often while they pursue their studies.
These platforms offer them the flexibility to work part-time, enabling them to earn and learn simultaneously. Food and grocery delivery and ridesharing platforms like foodpanda, InDrive, and Bykea etc have become go-to options for students seeking supplementary income.
By working as freelance riders or drivers, these young individuals can contribute to their tuition fees, support their families, or even save for their futures, all while maintaining the flexibility they need to focus on their academic commitments. Platforms like Daraz also offer women and young entrepreneurs opportunities to launch small online businesses, providing them with important experience in e-commerce and retail.
The gig economy in Pakistan is also empowering differently-abled individuals who may otherwise find it challenging to secure traditional employment. Many digital platforms now prioritise inclusivity, providing features that cater to diverse needs. The flexibility offered by digital platforms allows individuals to contribute productively to the economy without physical constraints impeding their ability to work. These platforms offer an essential outlet for economic engagement and social inclusion.
As digital platforms grow in Pakistan, they are offering unprecedented pathways to financial independence and empowerment, particularly for women. Often limited by cultural and societal constraints, many women are now finding ways to earn from home and carve out entrepreneurial paths for themselves.
A notable example of this is the rise of foodpanda’s HomeChefs programme that empowers women to take full advantage of their culinary skills to create and sell home-cooked meals. With flexible hours and the ability to work from home, platforms like foodpanda are enabling women to contribute financially to their households while balancing family responsibilities.
Whether it’s selling products on digital stores, delivering goods across the city, or offering specialised services, these hard-working individuals are not only earning a steady income but are also gradually shifting societal perspectives about who can contribute to the workforce. For many, this newfound economic participation enhances self-esteem and social standing, leading to a more equitable society.
From homemakers and students to differently-abled individuals and minorities, Pakistan’s gig economy is becoming a vital instrument for economic empowerment and social change. In a country where formal employment opportunities may not be accessible to everyone, these digital platforms are providing the means for individuals from all walks of life to work, earn, and thrive in their own ways.
In Pakistan’s evolving digital ecosystem, the gig economy is helping create a workforce that is more inclusive, diverse, and empowered than ever before. Keeping in mind its growing importance, the government should officially consider adding gig work to labour laws, recognising those engaged in this important sector.
The writer is the director of policy and communications at Foodpanda Pakistan.