SDG 8 in Pakistan: Achieving Decent Work and Sustainable Growth. Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) aims to “Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.” This goal emphasizes the importance of economic growth that benefits everyone, creates job opportunities, ensures decent work conditions, and addresses challenges related to unemployment, especially among marginalized groups, youth, and women. Sustainable business practices, technological innovation, and protection of workers’ rights are core aspects of SDG 8.
Key Points of SDG 8:
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Sustained Economic Growth:
Promote at least 7% GDP growth per year in the least developed countries.
Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrades, and innovation.
According to the World Bank, Pakistan’s economic growth in 2024 is estimated to be 1.8%. It is far from the 7% GDP Growth. This is due to a number of factors, including: high inflation, import controls, tight macroeconomic policy, and policy uncertainty .Political instability and notorious rulers in the country.
2. Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth
Promote policies that ensure growth benefits everyone, especially the poor, and create equal opportunities.
Foster economic inclusion and reduce inequality by supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
To achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Pakistan in 2024, key policies should focus on broadening the tax base, improving state-owned enterprise management, enhancing human capital development, scaling up social protection programs, promoting export-oriented sectors like IT, agriculture, and manufacturing, while simultaneously implementing environmental safeguards and prioritizing climate-resilient practices across industries.
3. Full and Productive Employment
To achieve full and productive employment for all, including youth and persons with disabilities, Pakistan must address unemployment and underemployment through targeted, inclusive strategies. In 2024, the country’s focus should center on promoting private sector investment in job-generating industries such as manufacturing and services. Upskilling programs are essential to equip the workforce with market-relevant skills, while access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation.
Moreover, reducing regional disparities and implementing active labor market policies will help connect job seekers with opportunities more effectively. These efforts must align with fiscal discipline and tackle structural weaknesses that hinder sustainable employment growth. By ensuring equal pay for equal work and fostering inclusive economic participation, Pakistan can move closer to achieving SDG 8’s vision of decent work and economic growth for all.
“Employment is not just work—it is the dignity of building one’s tomorrow.”
4. Decent Work for All
Pakistan continues to struggle with ensuring labor rights and safe working environments for all, particularly migrants, women, and vulnerable workers. Forced labor, modern slavery, and child labor persist, impeding progress toward decent employment opportunities. The real GDP per capita has fallen from 2.04% in 2014–15 to -3.36% in 2019–20, exposing deep economic and structural challenges.
The absence of a comprehensive national strategy for skills and entrepreneurship development has weakened ties between industry and training institutions. Women’s limited participation in both formal and informal labor markets, along with poor workplace standards and insufficient social protections, continues to restrict economic growth.
To confront these issues, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has introduced the Decent Work Country Programme for Pakistan, aiming to enhance labor standards, ensure safer working conditions, and uplift vulnerable groups, especially those affected by child and bonded labor.
“True progress is measured not by profit, but by the dignity with which people earn it.”
5. Technological Innovation and Productivity
Pakistan must encourage technological innovation and modernization to boost labor productivity and generate sustainable employment. The country should prioritize industries that foster long-term, inclusive, and green jobs, aligning with global shifts toward sustainable growth. Emerging technologies—such as advanced artificial intelligence (AAI), neurotechnology, biotechnology, climate intervention tools, and quantum computing and communication—hold immense potential to transform production, efficiency, and livelihoods.
By investing in research, innovation infrastructure, and skill development, Pakistan can harness these technologies to create new opportunities for its workforce, reduce dependence on traditional sectors, and address environmental and social challenges. However, managing ethical, social, and economic risks associated with these innovations will be equally essential to ensure equitable progress and societal well-being.
“Innovation is the bridge where human potential meets a sustainable tomorrow.” ⚙️
6. Protection of Labor Rights:
Pakistan is advancing several initiatives in 2024 to ensure labor rights and promote safe, secure, and fair working conditions for all workers. The Child Domestic Labour Bill seeks to criminalize employing children under 18 in domestic work, introducing penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines of at least 500,000 rupees. Meanwhile, labor law reforms in Punjab and Sindh, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), aim to introduce a new section on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, ensuring equal protection for workers across all sectors.
The 3rd National Labour Conference addressed key challenges, including low wages, insecure employment, and inadequate social protection, culminating in a declaration urging solidarity among labor stakeholders. Similarly, the UNI PALC Conference united trade unions to adopt resolutions and strengthen workers’ representation. Pakistan’s labor framework continues to uphold standards on minimum wage, payment of wages, and annual leave.
“Justice at work builds dignity in life.” ⚖️
7. Youth Employment:
Pakistan is taking significant steps to reduce the number of youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET) and to enhance youth employability through quality education and skills development. The National Youth Employment Policy, currently in its final stages, aims to create decent jobs while increasing women’s participation in the workforce.
The Youth Education Employment Empowerment Project (YEEEP), a partnership between the Government of Sindh, the Sindh Education Foundation, and UNDP Pakistan, offers targeted training and employment opportunities to vulnerable youth in Sindh. Meanwhile, the PM Digital Hub is being developed as a one-window operation to connect young people with digital opportunities and resources.
Additionally, a comprehensive job market survey is planned to align training programs with industry needs. Upcoming initiatives include environmental training programs and sports academies, emphasizing both skill development and youth empowerment.
“A nation rises higher when its youth are skilled, employed, and inspired.” 🌱
8. Financial and Trade Inclusion:
Financial inclusion seeks to ensure that every individual, regardless of income or savings, has access to basic and reliable financial services. Its core purpose is to empower economically marginalized groups by providing them with fair opportunities to participate in the financial system without discrimination. By promoting access to banking, credit, insurance, and digital finance, financial inclusion enhances economic equity and social empowerment.
In Pakistan, the Financial Inclusion Index (FII) serves as a vital tool to evaluate the nation’s progress across key dimensions such as access, usage, and quality of financial services. However, gender disparities remain a pressing concern as only 13% of Pakistani women have financial accounts compared to 34% of men, highlighting a significant gap in digital and traditional finance. Bridging this divide is essential to achieving inclusive economic growth and social justice.
“True progress blooms when every hand can hold a share of prosperity.” 🌿
9. Sustainable Tourism:
Sustainable tourism aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation. When responsibly planned and managed, it becomes a powerful driver for inclusive and equitable development. Sustainable tourism supports job creation, stimulates local economies, and encourages the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. It promotes social integration by involving local communities in decision-making and ensuring that tourism benefits are widely shared.
Moreover, it contributes to biodiversity conservation and the development of sustainable livelihoods, especially in rural and indigenous areas. By minimizing environmental impact and maximizing cultural appreciation, sustainable tourism enhances human well-being and strengthens community resilience.
“When travel respects the land and honors its people, it transforms from a journey of pleasure into a path of preservation.” 🌍
10. Global Resource Efficiency:
Improving global resource efficiency and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation is essential for achieving sustainable development. The 2024 SDG Progress Report, themed “Bend the Trend: Pathways to a Liveable Planet as Resource Use Spikes,” emphasizes the urgent need for nations to shift toward more sustainable production and consumption models.
In Pakistan, SDG 8 holds a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic future by promoting inclusive, sustainable, and environmentally responsible growth. Despite challenges such as unemployment, a large informal economy, gender inequality, corruption, and political instability, there are clear avenues for progress. Strengthening education and vocational training, fostering economic diversification, addressing informal labor issues, and encouraging sustainable business practices are crucial steps forward.
By continuing policy reforms, investing in human capital, and expanding green industries, Pakistan can align its growth model with SDG 8. This alignment will build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable economy, ensuring decent work and prosperity for all.
“True growth uplifts both people and the planet—prosperity must never come at the cost of our shared future.” 🌱
There is need to promote SGD8 in country. This will reduce unemployment rate, to increase sustainable economic development , equal chances of work for all and to develop labor protection.