Better Work Pakistan is a joint programme of the International Labour Organization and the International Finance Corporation, launched in 2022 to support improved working conditions and business performance in Pakistan’s textile and garment sector.

As part of its pilot phase, the programme is implementing its factory engagement model across key industrial hubs in Sindh and Punjab —including Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad —and is currently working with around 135 factories. Through advisory, training and stakeholder engagement, it promotes compliance with international labour standards, strengthens social dialogue, and enhances competitiveness in global supply chains.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in Pakistan’s garment and textile sector, contributing to employment, production capacity, and supply chain resilience. As expectations from international buyers continue to evolve, many SMEs are looking for practical ways to improve workplace practices while remaining competitive.

To support this transition, Better Work Pakistan launched the SME Learning Series — a structured initiative to build foundational capacity at the enterprise level and prepare SMEs for engagement with Better Work services. The initiative supports Better Work Pakistan’s efforts to expand outreach to SMEs, strengthen worker –management dialogue, and promote sustainable and compliant workplace practices across the sector. Enterprises are encouraged to build on the knowledge gained and continue strengthening their workplace systems over time.