ISLAMABAD: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has emphasised that a household earning minimum wage — Rs40,000 per month — cannot meet basic living costs, with actual monthly expenses estimated to exceed Rs75,000.
In an X post, announcing the launch of a nationwide campaign titled ‘From Survival to Dignity’, the HRCP urged the government to reassess the national minimum wage based on a realistic “living wage” standard that enables families to lead dignified lives. “the minimum wage should be at least Rs75000 per month.”
The campaign, supported by the European Union, highlights the growing disconnect between Pakistan’s official minimum wage and the actual cost of living for a family of six, which HRCP estimates exceeds Rs75,000.
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) July 28, 2025
The commission shared an infographic, comparing household expenditure with the official minimum wage and highlighted the wide gap between earnings and the cost of living.
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According to it, a family’s average monthly food expense stands at Rs34,711, while rent and utilities combined account for over Rs12,000. Other essential costs such as healthcare, transportation, education, and clothing bring the total monthly expenditure to Rs75,261.
The infographic questions whether a family can truly survive on Rs40,000 a month, given that the actual cost of living exceeds that by nearly double. It notes that families often rely on loans, compromise on nutrition, or pull children out of school to cope with expenses.
Citing Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, HRCP declared the gap a violation of basic human rights.
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“No one should have to choose between paying bills, feeding their family, or sending children to school,” the commission said in a statement. “This is not just an economic issue — it is a question of dignity and justice.”
‘Ba-izzat rozgaar: Har khandaan ka haq’
The campaign includes a documentary film ‘Ba-izzat rozgaar: Har khandaan ka haq’ (A Dignified Livelihood: Every Family’s Right), directed by Aisha Gazdar, which will be screened for workers’ unions and communities across Pakistan. In addition, HRCP is hosting panel discussions to raise awareness about the difference between a minimum wage and a living wage.
HRCP’s policy paper ‘From Survival to Dignity’ calls on the government to shift from setting wages based on outdated formulas to policies grounded in real household expenses and inflation.
The commission has encouraged supporters to engage through small film screenings, outreach to policymakers, public awareness efforts, and solidarity actions with workers demanding fair pay and safer working conditions.
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The campaign will run from July 28 to August 8, with HRCP urging citizens to share its message online using hashtags like #LivingWageNow and #FromSurvivalToDignity.