ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers have called for an urgent expansion of Pakistan’s pension and social protection system to cover millions of workers in the informal economy, stressing the need to bring domestic workers, agricultural labourers and self-employed people into the national safety net.
The call came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Pension Reforms for the Uncovered Labour Force held here on Thursday, where members emphasised that every worker, regardless of employment status, should have access to a secure financial future in the form of a pension.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, who chaired the meeting, said the proposed pension framework would be designed to ensure broad accessibility, long-term financial sustainability and viability for future generations while remaining aligned with international standards and the principles of the International Labour Organisation.
The body reviewed different models for extending pension coverage to workers currently excluded from formal pension arrangements. Particular attention was given to a proposed voluntary pension scheme for domestic workers, agricultural labourers, self-employed individuals and other workers in the informal sector.
Members also examined possible mechanisms for contributions by employers, employees and self-employed workers, along with measures to ensure digital registration, transparent record-keeping and the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme.
Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2026
