Pakistan's income landscape presents a complex picture, and the number of people earning Rs 1 lakh (100,000 PKR) per month is a subject of much interest. While precise figures are difficult to ascertain, analyzing available data and reports provides valuable insights into the income distribution in the country.

Average vs. Reality: It's important to distinguish between average income and the actual distribution. In 2026, the average salary in Pakistan is around 983,100 PKR per year, which translates to approximately 82,100 PKR per month. However, this average can be misleading due to the significant income disparities present in the country. The median monthly income is around 70,700 PKR. This means half the population earns less than this amount.

Income Inequality: Pakistan faces significant income inequality. According to the World Inequality Report 2026, the top 10% of earners capture 42% of the total income, while the bottom 50% receive only 19%. This concentration of wealth at the top means that a relatively small portion of the population enjoys a significantly higher income compared to the majority. The richest 10% hold 59% of the total wealth, and the top 1% control 24%.

Estimating High-Income Earners: Given the income distribution, estimating the number of people earning Rs 1 lakh or more requires careful consideration. While hard data pinpointing this specific income bracket is limited, some inferences can be drawn. If 1 lakh is considered a benchmark for a comfortable standard of living in Pakistan, then the percentage of people earning this much would likely be significantly less than 10%. Several factors contribute to this. The average expenditure has increased more rapidly than the average income.

Factors Affecting Income: Several factors influence income levels in Pakistan, including skills, experience, education, and the specific sector of employment. Those working in technology, healthcare, and finance tend to have higher earning potential. Location also plays a role, with urban households generally recording higher income levels than rural households.

Gini Coefficient: Pakistan's Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, was 0.334 in 2018, higher than the average for lower-middle-income countries. A higher Gini coefficient indicates greater income inequality.

Conclusion: While it's challenging to provide an exact figure for the number of people in Pakistan earning Rs 1 lakh a month, the available data suggests it is a relatively small percentage of the population due to the country's high income inequality. The average monthly income in Pakistan is around PKR 82,100. The concentration of wealth among the top 10% of earners further indicates that a significant portion of the population earns considerably less than Rs 1 lakh per month.