Remote Work in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities
Arsalan Yaqoob BFP, ACA, FCCA, FPFA, LLB (Hons) UK
Ex: Chief Financial Officer at The Dawood Foundation | Lawyer University of London | Chartered Accountant
Remote work, the practice of working outside traditional office spaces, was a rare phenomenon in Pakistan before COVID-19. Considered a luxury by many, only a small fraction of employees engaged in it. However, the pandemic's onset forced a massive shift toward working from home as lockdowns and social distancing became necessary.
The pandemic significantly impacted employment in Pakistan, with the workforce dropping from 55.7 million to 35 million at its peak. Though employment numbers gradually rebounded to 52.5 million, millions of workers, particularly in construction and informal sectors, faced income reductions. The hardest hit were in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan, with urban areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experiencing severe financial strains and food insecurity.
Despite the challenges, remote work offered several benefits, including flexibility, increased productivity, and cost savings.
Research indicates that remote workers are often more productive than their office-based peers. The flexibility of working from home also allows employees to maintain a better work-life balance. Furthermore, businesses and employees alike save on costs related to office maintenance and commuting. For instance, companies can cut down expenses on rent and utilities, while employees save on travel.
The environmental advantages of remote work are also noteworthy. Reduced commuting leads to lower carbon emissions, decreased paper usage, and less strain on power infrastructure. However, the shift to remote work also exposed several challenges, particularly in Pakistan, where limited internet access, power outages, and outdated infrastructure hinder its feasibility.
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The digital divide remains a significant obstacle, especially in rural areas where reliable internet is scarce.
Additionally, remote work has exacerbated gender inequalities, with women disproportionately bearing the burden of unpaid care work. The blurred lines between personal and professional life also pose a challenge, with many remote workers struggling to disconnect after work hours. To address these issues, Pakistan needs to invest in digital infrastructure, update employment laws, and implement policies that support employees' well-being.
While remote work has proven effective in maintaining business continuity during crises, its widespread adoption in Pakistan faces significant hurdles. Without improved infrastructure and supportive policies, the growth of remote work in Pakistan will remain limited, restricting its potential benefits.