At the turn of the calendar, May is marked by a global tip of the hat to labour’s sweat and struggle in shaping the societal fabric. Marching to the same beat, Pakistan commemorates Labour Day, where dignitaries take to the stage, delivering speeches and leading rallies to signify the role of labour in every sphere of life; promises are made to protect workers’ rights. Yet behind these slogans and banners lurks a harsh reality, one that remains largely overlooked in policy circles.

An overwhelming share of Pakistan’s workforce remains undocumented, with labour laws codified but seldom enforced in practice. From domestic workers and street vendors to delivery riders, mechanics and daily-wage earners, these invisible hands keep the wheel of the economy moving. The latest Labour Force Survey divulges that Pakistan’s informal sector share has amplified from 72.5% in 2020-21 to 80.8% in 2024-25. This bulge clearly indicates that nearly four out of five workers toil outside the formal........

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