Family & Society

What does research say about financial decision-making between husbands and wives in Pakistan?

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Answer

Direct answer

The 2017–18 Pakistan DHS found that 44% of currently married women participated in decisions about major household purchases. Participation was 51% for their own health care and 49% for visits to family or relatives; 36% participated in all three measured decisions, while 39% participated in none. These indicators show reported involvement, not equal control over income, bank accounts or property. Decision-making varies by age, education, employment, wealth and household structure, and a joint answer can still conceal unequal bargaining power.

44%women participating in major household-purchase decisions, PDHS 2017–18
Evidence

Sources used

National Survey · 2019

Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18

National Institute of Population Studies and The DHS Program

National survey evidence for marriage timing, women, households and health indicators.View source
International Organization · 2026

Women, Business and the Law 2026: Pakistan

World Bank

2026 assessment, main business city Karachi, legal cutoff 1 October 2025. Pillars and methods differ from the 2024 pilot; scores are not personal legal advice.

Source checked:

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