🇵🇰
Pakistan
Employment Guide & Cultural Intelligence
Overview
Capital
Islamabad
Currency
PKR
Language
Urdu, English
Time Zone
UTC+5 (PKT)
GDP per Capita
$1,470
Work Week
48 hours
Employment Basics
| Standard Work Week | 48 hours |
| Notice Period | 30 days standard |
| Probation Period | 3 months |
| Overtime Rules | 100% premium for hours beyond 48/week |
| Termination Rules | Cause required; gratuity 1 month per year of service |
| Minimum Wage | PKR 32,000/mo (~€110) federal minimum (2024) |
Statutory Benefits
14
Annual Leave Days
16
Public Holidays
30
Total Paid Days Off
| Parental Leave | 180 days maternity (full pay) post-2023 reforms |
| Sick Leave | 16 days at full pay annually |
Employer Cost Summary
7%
Employer Tax/Contribution Rate
| Mandatory Insurance | EOBI pension + provincial social security + workers compensation |
| Retirement/Pension | EOBI pension scheme; statutory age 60 |
| Healthcare | Sehat Sahulat Card + employer-provided insurance for white-collar |
Cultural Intelligence
Communication Style
Polite, indirect, relationship-driven; English business standard
Hierarchy
Strong; respect for elders, titles, religious leaders
Meeting Norms
Tea/refreshments before business; relationship-building important; time flexible
Negotiation Approach
Patient; bargaining expected; trust and personal connection essential
Gift Giving
Welcome; quality items; respect Islamic norms (no alcohol)
Taboos
Respect Islamic norms strictly; mind Indian-Pakistani sensitivities; Friday afternoon prayer
Hiring Tips
1
Strong English in white-collar sectors — IT/BPO talent significant
2
Provincial labor laws vary — Punjab, Sindh, KPK have different specifics
3
Karachi is commercial capital; Lahore and Islamabad also significant
4
Working week typically Monday-Friday or Monday-Saturday
5
IT export sector growing rapidly with international clients
Quick Facts
- Work Week 48 hrs
- Annual Leave 14 days
- Public Holidays 16
- Employer Burden 7%
- Probation 3 months
- Currency PKR