ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economic landscape is predominantly shaped by micro and small enterprises, with 95 per cent of all establishments employing fewer than 10 workers, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ (PBS) Economic Census 2023, released on Thursday. The findings highlight the critical role these small-scale businesses play in the country’s economy.

The census reveals that the wholesale and retail trade sector leads with 2.9 million establishments, followed by manufacturing (696,558), education (326,868), and human health and social work (123,973). These sectors underscore the diverse range of economic activities across Pakistan.

Household-based economic activities are another key pillar of Pakistan’s informal economy. With 10.9 million units engaged in various livelihoods, the........

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