As of 2024, the top 1% in Pakistan earned 16.65% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 17.30%. Pakistan’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 15.73%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Pakistan in 2024
In 2024, income in Pakistan was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 16.65% of total national income, which is roughly on par with the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 17.30% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Pakistan | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 16.65% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 42.81% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 17.30% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Pakistan?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Pakistan’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 15.73% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 0.92 percentage points to 16.65%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Pakistan has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 43.94% while the bottom 50% received 16.25%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 42.81% and 17.30% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 15.73% | 43.94% | 16.25% | 27.69 pp |
| 1986 | 15.73% | 43.94% | 16.25% | 27.69 pp |
| 1992 | 15.63% | 42.76% | 16.85% | 25.91 pp |
| 1998 | 18.56% | 45.93% | 16.05% | 29.88 pp |
| 2004 | 17.52% | 45.24% | 15.55% | 29.69 pp |
| 2010 | 16.45% | 42.85% | 16.96% | 25.89 pp |
| 2016 | 17.02% | 43.62% | 17.01% | 26.61 pp |
| 2022 | 16.65% | 42.81% | 17.30% | 25.51 pp |
How Pakistan Compares Globally
Pakistan vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Pakistan’s top 1% income share of 16.65% is roughly on par with the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Pakistan receives 17.30% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Pakistan Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Pakistan ranks 73rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Pakistan ranks 48th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Pakistan include Uzbekistan's wealth gap, Myanmar's income inequality, Philippines's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Pakistan?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Pakistan earned 16.65% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Pakistan?
Income inequality in Pakistan has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 15.73% in 1980 to 16.65% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Pakistan?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Pakistan received 17.30% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 42.81%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.