Living Wage in Pakistan: Estimates,Adoption and Policy Challenges

How much does it cost for a worker and their family to live a basic but decent life in Pakistan? This paper explores this question using the concept of a living wage. The paper provides consolidated and updated living wage estimates for two rural regions and one urban region of Pakistan. The paper then examines the existing policy framework on returns to labour in general and minimum wages in particular and demonstrates its shortcomings in ensuring decent wages for workers.