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• Open Access Article

  11 Pages Download PDF: Social Protection Analysis on Labor Market of Pakistan

  Social Protection Analysis on Labor Market of Pakistan

  Tayyaba Faaiz, Hafsa Bibi, Naseem Akhtar, Mahnoor Fatima

  2025-12-10 https://doi.org/10.36923/jcmi.v6i2.667

  Social security is seen as a fundamental human right. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of social protection on the labor market dynamic. This study is based on the HIES data set from 2018-19. Binary logistic regression is used to estimate the parameters of the labor force participation model. This study found that beneficiaries of social protection programs have a negative trend toward labor force participation in Pakistan. In addition, it is observed that some social indicators like age, the rural living region, and male household head significantly effect on labor force participation. This study also attempts to fill the gap by examining the effect that LFP on educational attainments. The study attempts to highlight the effect of social protection on LFP at the provincial level. The results explore the positive effect on labor force participation of beneficiaries by different age categories. Female labor force participation of grant receivers in Pakistan is still below as compared to males. The results show that the impacts of higher educated people on the labor force are low as compared to uneducated. The study concludes by lying out some recommendations.

  pp. 49-59 Abstract views:262 Downloads:117

• 13 Pages Download PDF: Does More Income Buy More Happiness? Empirical Evidence from the World Values Survey in Pakistan

  Does More Income Buy More Happiness? Empirical Evidence from the World Values Survey in Pakistan

  Samia Awais, Shahzad Kouser, Ihtesham-ul-Haq Padda

  2025-06-30 https://doi.org/10.36923/jcmi.v6i1.639

  This study examines the empirical validity of the Easterlin Paradox in the context of Pakistan, drawing on nationally representative microdata from 1,995 adult respondents in the most recent Wave 7 of the World Values Survey. The paradox posits that while income is positively associated with happiness at a given point in time, long-term income increases do not necessarily lead to sustained improvements in subjective well-being. We examine this relationship through a combination of descriptive statistics and a two-level mixed-effects ordered logistic regression model, which accounts for both individual- and community-level heterogeneity. The analysis confirms that income has a statistically significant positive effect on happiness; however, the inclusion of a squared income term reveals a non-linear, concave relationship, indicating diminishing marginal returns to income—a core tenet of the Easterlin Paradox. Beyond income, a range of non-material factors such as good health, perceived autonomy, confidence in institutions, and social class emerge as significant predictors of happiness. Conversely, factors like food insecurity and being a victim of crime negatively impact subjective well-being. These findings align with the capability approach and recent global literature emphasizing the multidimensional nature of happiness. The study contributes to filling a critical gap in South Asian happiness research by providing country-specific, methodologically rigorous evidence from Pakistan. Policy implications suggest the need for a broader, human-centered development strategy that prioritizes healthcare, education, institutional trust, and social protection, rather than focusing narrowly on income growth. By shifting the focus toward inclusive and holistic well-being, Pakistan can better align its development goals with what truly enhances the lives of its citizens.

  pp. 82-94 Abstract views:215 Downloads:160

• Open Access Article

  16 Pages Download PDF: Impact of Financial Inclusion Using Community Investment Fund on Poverty Graduation in Rural Sindh of Pakistan

  Impact of Financial Inclusion Using Community Investment Fund on Poverty Graduation in Rural Sindh of Pakistan

  Talat Anwar, Fazal Ali Khan, Lubna Hassan, Amna Ejaz

  2025-06-25 https://doi.org/10.36923/jcmi.v6i1.640

  Financial inclusion offers significant benefits to the unbanked poor population, but barriers such as low literacy, lack of trust in formal financial institutions, and high transaction costs often hinder the use of formal banking services. On the other hand, the Community Investment Fund (CIF) is a revolving grant managed by community-based organisations that provides a low-cost, sustainable solution. The paper examines the impact of financial inclusion through CIF funds on poverty graduation in Rural Sindh, Pakistan. The Poverty Scorecard (PSC) tool is used to assess the changes in the poverty status of CIF loan and grant beneficiaries using before-and-after approaches. A household survey dataset from rural Sindh, covering 4,023 randomly selected households, is analysed. The findings suggest that financial inclusion through community investment funds has positively impacted poor households and helped them graduate from a lower poverty band to a higher one. Compared to conventional sources of finance like Microfinance Banks, the findings suggest that CIF loans appear to be largely cost-effective. We thus recommend increasing CIF coverage for poor segments of the population in Pakistan, as it provides a low-cost, sustainable solution for poverty graduation and increases the cost-effectiveness of social protection programmes in the country.

  pp. 95-110 Abstract views:348 Downloads:120