Islamabad, December 15, 2025 – A new report from the World Inequality Lab (WIL) highlights stark economic disparities in Pakistan, revealing that the richest 10% of the population control 59% of the nation’s total wealth, while the top 1% alone account for 24%.
The World Inequality Report 2026, published by the Paris School of Economics-hosted WIL, also shows significant income inequality: the top 10% capture 42% of total national income, compared to just 19% for the bottom 50%. Pakistan’s average per capita income stands at around 4,200 euros (in purchasing power parity), with average wealth at 15,700 euros (PPP).
Despite a marginal narrowing of the income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50%—from 22.0 to 21.4 times between 2014 and 2024—the report notes that inequality “remains high and shows limited progress over the past decade.” Gender disparities persist, with female labour force participation declining from 9.8% to 8.5%.
Globally, the report paints a grim picture: the top 10% own three-quarters of wealth, while the bottom half holds only 2%. The wealthiest 0.001%—fewer than 60,000 multi-millionaires—control more wealth than half of humanity, with their share rising from 4% in 1995 to over 6% today. Billionaires’ wealth has grown at 8% annually since the 1990s, nearly twice the rate for the global bottom half.
Experts warn that without structural reforms, including progressive taxation and inclusive policies, such concentrations could exacerbate social divides and hinder sustainable growth in Pakistan.