Platform Labour, Gig Economy Precarity, and the Demand for Social Protection: An Empirical Study of Ride-Hailing and Delivery Workers in Urban Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65761/jssp.2026.114Keywords:
Gig economy precarity, platform labour urban Pakistan, ride-hailing delivery workers, social protection demand, informal labour precariousnessAbstract
Background: The rapid expansion of digital labour platforms has created employment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in ride-hailing and food-delivery services. Although platform work offers flexibility and income-generation opportunities, it is often characterized by employment insecurity, income instability, occupational risks, and limited access to social protection. Evidence regarding the working conditions and welfare needs of platform workers in Pakistan remains scarce.
Objective: To examine the relationship between platform labour, employment precarity, and the demand for social protection among ride-hailing and delivery workers in urban Pakistan
Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 platform workers recruited from major Pakistani cities using purposive intercept and snowball sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and ordinal logistic regression, while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically.
Results: Overall, 72.6% of participants experienced high income volatility, and 58.4% reported earnings insufficient to meet household needs. Perceived employment precarity was high, particularly regarding job insecurity and lack of employment benefits. More than 90% supported health and accident insurance, while substantial majorities favored pension schemes, paid leave, and minimum income guarantees. Income volatility was a significant predictor of perceived employment precarity (β = 0.38, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Platform workers in Pakistan experience considerable economic insecurity and inadequate social protection. Expanding social protection coverage, strengthening labour standards, and implementing policies that promote decent work are essential for improving worker welfare in the growing digital labour economy.
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