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Population
Pakistan has a population of approximately 241 million people (as of 2024), making it the fifth most populous country in the world. The country is known for its significant ethnic and cultural diversity, with the largest ethnic group being Punjabis, who make up about 45% of the population.
Capital
The capital city of Pakistan is Islamabad, a planned city established in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the capital. Islamabad holds political and administrative significance and is known for its organized layout and modern infrastructure.
Economic Strength
Pakistan’s economy is largely based on agriculture, which contributes around 20% to its gross domestic product (GDP). Key exports include textiles, rice, wheat, and cotton. The country also has a growing services and IT sector, but faces significant economic challenges due to political instability, corruption, and infrastructure issues.
Culture
Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage deeply influenced by Islamic traditions and its historical roots in civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization. The country’s culture is a blend of diverse traditions, with art, music, dance, and literature being closely tied to religious and historical themes. Urdu is the national language, while English is widely used in official and business settings.
Currency
The official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), divided into 100 paisa. The rupee’s exchange rate fluctuates significantly due to economic factors such as political instability and inflation.
Health Insurance and Social Security System
Pakistan does not have a comprehensive state health insurance system. Healthcare is largely private and often difficult to access for many. However, there are government health programs aimed at supporting low-income populations. The country’s social security system is underdeveloped, but programs like the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and the Workers Welfare Fund provide some level of support for workers.
Employer Costs
Employer costs in Pakistan generally include contributions to social security (EOBI), payroll taxes, and potentially contributions to pension and accident insurance schemes. Total costs vary by industry and region, but they tend to be lower than in many Western countries.
Salary and Bonuses
Wages in Pakistan are relatively low in many sectors. The minimum wage is set at approximately 32,000 PKR per month (as of 2024). However, wages are often higher in certain sectors. Bonuses are common, especially at the end of the year or during religious festivals like Eid.
Payslip
Payslips in Pakistan are issued monthly, showing deductions for taxes and social security contributions. Employers are required to withhold the necessary payroll taxes and remit them to the tax authorities.
Public Holidays
Pakistan has several public holidays based on both religious and national observances. The most important holidays include:
- Eid-ul-Fitr
- Eid-ul-Adha
- Pakistan Day (March 23)
- Independence Day (August 14)
- Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday (December 25)
In addition to these national holidays, some regional holidays are also observed.
Working Hours
The standard working hours in Pakistan are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. In many industries, Saturday is a workday, while Sunday is typically a day of rest. Overtime is common in certain sectors, with the law mandating additional compensation for overtime work.
Vacation
Employees in Pakistan are entitled to at least 14 days of paid vacation per year. Additionally, there are paid public holidays, and special leave may be granted for events like weddings, sickness, or maternity leave.
Sick Leave
In the event of illness or injury, employees in Pakistan are entitled to a limited number of paid sick days, regulated by labor laws. However, the specific terms vary, and much depends on the employee’s contract.
Termination/Severance
Employers in Pakistan have the right to terminate employees under certain conditions, but the process is regulated by labor laws. Terminations must be in writing, and a notice period of typically one month is required. Employees are generally not entitled to severance pay unless it is specified in their contract or in cases such as redundancy or long-term employment.