Pakistan’s latest Household Integrated Economic Survey 2024–25, released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, paints a mixed picture of rising incomes, higher living costs, changing housing patterns, and rapid digital transformation.

According to the survey, the average income of Pakistani households increased by 97% over the past five years. However, household expenses surged by 113%, highlighting mounting cost-of-living pressures.

The Bureau reported that the average monthly household income reached Rs82,179, while average monthly expenditure rose to Rs79,150. Spending was highest on furnishings, household appliances, health, food, goods, and other services.

Food and energy costs climb sharply

The survey showed that monthly household spending on food and beverages increased by 37%. At the same time, energy-related expenditures rose by 36%, adding to financial strain on families.

A record decline was observed in privately owned housing due to population growth and economic pressures. Home ownership fell from 84% in 2018–19 to 82% in 2024–25, while the share of people living in rented homes increased from 10% to 10.5%.

Clean fuel usage increases nationwide

The use of clean fuels such as natural gas, LPG, biogas, and solar energy increased from 35% to 38% over five years. Officials termed this a positive sign for environmental sustainability and household energy transition.

The proportion of people using hand pumps for water declined from 24% to 22%. Meanwhile, tap water usage increased from 18% to 22%, and filtered water use rose from 9% to 10%.

Despite improvements, the survey found that 7% of the population still lacks basic sanitation facilities, including latrines. Officials said this remains a key challenge for public health planning.

TikTok leads digital income platforms

The survey identified TikTok as the largest source of income among digital platforms in Pakistan. About 88% of people earning online use TikTok, while 86% create content on YouTube.

Internet access has now reached 70% of households, while mobile phone access stands at 50%, according to the Bureau of Statistics. Officials noted a clear acceleration in digital transformation, with increased internet use among women and for education.

Education and health indicators improve

The survey reported improvements in primary school enrollment, along with declining infant mortality rates. Health statistics and population welfare facilities have also shown overall improvement nationwide.

Pakistan’s population is growing at a rate of 2.55%, the Bureau of Statistics said. Officials warned that rapid population growth continues to place pressure on housing, education, and public services.

Planning minister highlights importance of data

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal addressed the survey launch ceremony, calling it the first major household survey since 2018–19. He said the survey will now be released regularly to support better planning and evidence-based policymaking.

He said Pakistan faced multiple shocks in recent years, including political change in 2018, a $50 billion trade deficit, and the impact of COVID-19. He noted that inflation hit Pakistan harder, particularly affecting the poor and middle class over five to seven years.

The minister said Pakistan’s economy is now on a recovery path, with GDP growth reaching 3.71% in the first quarter. He expressed hope that economic growth will exceed four percent this year, while stressing cautious progress.

Education challenges, stability concerns

Ahsan Iqbal said 25 million children remain out of school, emphasizing that development is not possible without 100% enrollment. He added that peace, political stability, and data-driven governance are essential for accelerating development.

He highlighted that Pakistan conducted its first digital population census, followed by a digitally conducted agricultural census. He said authentic data will help researchers, policymakers, and the government plan more effectively for the future.