Top 10 Side Business Ideas in Pakistan for Employees – Start Small, Grow Big

In today’s rapidly shifting economy, relying solely on a 9-to-5 job is no longer a safe strategy. Whether you're a domestic worker, a teacher, an office assistant, or a corporate executive, the need to create a second income stream is more important than ever.

The good news? Pakistan is full of untapped opportunities.

With a bit of creativity and consistency, you can start a side business without leaving your current job. Based on years of experience as a business mentor and motivational speaker working with thousands of hardworking Pakistanis, here are the 10 best side business ideas for employees across all walks of life.

1. Home-Based Catering or Tiffin Service

Love to cook? This is your chance to turn passion into profit. Many students, office-goers, and bachelors miss home-cooked food. You can start a tiffin or lunchbox service right from your kitchen. It's a great low-investment business for housewives and domestic helpers.

Tip: Begin within your community or office circle and let word of mouth grow your brand.

2. Online Reselling & Dropshipping

You don’t need a shop or inventory. Start reselling trending products on platforms like Daraz, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram. Simply promote products, take orders, and deliver directly through suppliers.

Perfect for tech-savvy office workers and students who want to earn from home.

3. Tuition & Coaching Services

If you're skilled in a subject or fluent in English, you can provide tuition after work or school hours. Whether you're a teacher, professional, or even a domestic worker with academic knowledge, this is a smart and respected side business.

You can start in your neighborhood or offer virtual sessions online.

4. Freelancing & Online Gigs

Online freelancing isn't just for experts anymore. From data entry and customer service to writing, translation, and virtual assistance — there's something for everyone.

Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com allow you to earn in dollars with just basic skills. Even if you're a peon or assistant, with a little training, this can become your consistent side income.

5. Home-Based Beauty & Grooming Services

Good at makeup, mehndi, or hair styling? Offer your services in your area or advertise on social media. This is ideal for part-time employees and housemaids looking to earn extra on weekends.

Start a simple Facebook page or share your work on WhatsApp groups.

6. Handicrafts & Homemade Products

Crochet, embroidery, homemade jewelry, or candles — Pakistani handmade items are loved worldwide. Turn your skills into a business by selling locally or on online platforms.

Especially great for teachers, housewives, or anyone with creative hands and spare time.

7. YouTube or TikTok Content Creation

If you enjoy speaking, teaching, or entertaining, start creating content. Topics can include recipes, motivation, fashion tips, daily routines, or educational tutorials.

It takes time to grow, but once you build an audience, platforms like YouTube can generate regular income.

8. Start a Rental Business

Do you have a spare room, bike, camera, or equipment? Rent them out! Many people earn passive income from items they aren’t using daily.

This is a great way for salaried individuals to build income without daily involvement.

9. Event Planning & Decoration

Have a creative eye and love organizing events? Start small by managing family events, birthday parties, or local functions. As your reputation grows, so will your business.

It’s an ideal side gig for clerical staff and home-based workers with an artistic touch.

10. Affiliate Marketing

No product? No problem! Promote others’ products on your social media, blog, or YouTube channel and earn a commission on every sale.

Affiliate marketing is one of the best options for people who want to earn online without dealing with inventory or delivery.

Final Words: Your Side Hustle = Your Freedom

No matter your current job, your future is in your hands. A side business isn't just about earning more — it’s about discovering new skills, building confidence, and working toward financial independence.

💡 Start small, but start today.
💪 Your full-time job pays the bills, but your side hustle builds your dreams.

So what are you waiting for? Explore your talent, pick an idea, and begin your journey toward success — one step at a time.

My Visit to Shahpur Kanjran Mandi 2025 – Bakra Prices Sky High!

Yesterday, I visited Shahpur Kanjran Mandi in Lahore with the intention of buying a Bakra for Eid ul Azha Qurbani – but let me tell you, the scene there was nothing short of shocking!

As soon as I stepped in, it was clear that livestock prices this year have skyrocketed. Whether you’re looking for a Bakra, Kajla Chhitta (Kajra Chatra), or Cow, be prepared to stretch your budget a lot more than expected.

💸 Bakra Prices: Through the Roof!

I had my eyes on a medium-sized, healthy Bakra — something decent for Qurbani without being too extravagant. But to my surprise, even average-sized Bakray were starting from PKR 90,000 and going well above PKR 140,000. A good breed with symmetrical horns and proper teeth was almost unaffordable for the common man.

Some sellers justified the prices by claiming increased fodder costs and transport expenses, while others simply smiled and said, “Janab demand zyada hai, qurbani ka waqt hai!”

🐐 Kajla Chhitta: Beauty With a Price Tag

Now, coming to the beloved Kajla Chatra – the eye-catching black and white goats everyone seems to love. The prices for Kajla goats were jaw-dropping. A decent Kajla started from PKR 120,000 and some “showpiece” ones were being quoted at over PKR 200,000!

They were beautiful, no doubt, and many were well-fed and active — but the question remains: are they worth the price?

🐄 Cow Prices – Not for the Faint-Hearted

For those who prefer cows for collective Qurbani, prices were equally alarming. A 2-3 person share cow was being quoted at PKR 300,000 to 400,000, depending on breed and size. Full-sized, healthy cows meant for 6-7 shares were going as high as PKR 800,000 or more.

📝 My Advice to Buyers

If you’re planning to visit any mandi soon, especially Shahpur Kanjran or other big ones in Lahore or Karachi, go well-prepared and informed. The market is unpredictable, and bargaining is a must.

📌 Before you buy any animal, I highly recommend reading this detailed guide first:
👉 Guide to Buying a Healthy Qurbani Animal in Pakistan

It explains what signs to look for in a healthy animal, how to check its age and teeth, and how to avoid common scams. This guide saved me from making a few bad decisions at the mandi!

Final Thoughts

Eid ul Azha is about sacrifice and sincerity — but the way prices are going up every year, Qurbani is becoming a financial challenge for many. If you're planning to buy in the next few days, may Allah make it easy for you.

And please, don’t forget to do your homework before heading to the mandi — it’ll save you both money and stress.

Have you visited any mandi yet? Share your experience in the comments below!

Importance of ATS-Friendly CV for Employees in Today’s Job Market

It's more difficult than ever to get your CV in front of a recruiter in today's digital job market. Why? Because most businesses employ something known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — software that sifts and sorts CVs before a human ever lays eyes on them.

So, even if you're the ideal candidate for a job, your application could be rejected by the computer automatically if your CV is not ATS-friendly.

So, what is an ATS-friendly CV, and why is it so important? Let's have a breakdown.

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is computer software that employers utilize to screen, filter, and rank job applications according to keywords and layouts for employment. It assists firms in saving time by automatically shortlisting the most qualified applicants.

Why Your CV Must Be ATS-Friendly

1. You Might Never Reach a Human Recruiter

If your CV is not ATS-readable, it's tossed aside.

More than 75% of recruiters rely on ATS — this is no longer optional.

2. Keywords Matter

ATS seeks job-related keywords (such as "data analysis," "sales strategy," or "customer support").

If your CV doesn't have those, it receives a low score — even if you possess the qualifications.

3. Fancy Designs Can Work Against You

Most job applicants employ innovative templates with graphics or tables, but ATS is not always able to read them correctly.

Clean and minimalistic formatting is ideal.

4. Boosts Your Interview Prospects

An optimized CV ensures your skills and experience are actually noticed by recruiters.

This can be the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked.

Master Tips for Creating an ATS-Friendly CV

Apply conventional job titles and concise headings such as Education, Work Experience, Skills.
Avoid charts, graphs, tables, and text boxes.
Save your CV in .docx or PDF (but ensure it's readable).
Highlight achievements using bullet points.
Tailor your CV by incorporating keywords from the job posting.

Real-Life Example:

Two candidates with equal experience, both applying for a digital marketing position:

Candidate A employs a fashionable CV with icons and graphs, no keywords.
Candidate B employs a lean, keyword-rich CV that ATS can seamlessly scan.

Result? Candidate B is shortlisted. Candidate A is rejected — by a machine, not a human.

Last Thoughts

In a competitive job market such as Pakistan — particularly in urban centers such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad — an ATS-optimized CV is no longer an added advantage, it's a requirement. Whether you're applying for local or international jobs, your first step is to ensure your CV makes it through the digital gatekeeper.

If you're committed to your professional life, invest some time in ATS-optimizing your CV. It may unlock the door to your next career move.

Best Career Options for Pakistani Students in 2025

With the constantly shifting career landscape of the contemporary era, Pakistani students face the challenge of selecting a professional field with long-term security, a strong earning potential, and opportunities in Pakistan and worldwide. If you are graduating or recently graduated, matching passion and demand in the sector is also essential.

Here are the top career fields that are most needed Pakistani students have to take extremely seriously in 2025 and beyond.

1. Information Technology & Software Development

The IT sector remains one of the fastest-growing industries globally and in Pakistan. Skills in programming, software development, data science, and AI can translate into high-paying local and international employment opportunities.

Why IT?

Freelancing prospects with great earning potential
Remote work opportunities
International demand

2. Healthcare & Medical Services

Medical professionals are still in great demand, especially in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and Gulf countries. MBBS alumni, nurses, and allied health professionals can set up excellent careers in Pakistan or migrate to greener pastures.

Most sought-after jobs:

General Practitioner
Medical Technologist
Healthcare Administrator

3. Digital Marketing & E-Commerce

As the world becomes more digital, businesses are giving more importance to their online presence. This has created huge demand for skilled professionals in SEO, PPC, email marketing, and social media management.

Hot niches:

Content Marketing
Influencer Campaigns
Shopify & Amazon Store Management

4. Engineering (Specifically Renewable Energy & Civil)

Engineering is a conventional career choice, but modern-day students need to think about renewable energy, environmental, and civil engineering — disciplines that are growing due to global sustainability efforts and Pakistan's urbanization.

Growing demand for:

Solar Technicians
Infrastructure Engineers
Energy Consultants

5. Finance & Accounting

Finance remains a strong platform for career growth. ACCA, CA, and CFA qualifications provide access to lucrative careers in auditing, investment banking, and corporate finance.

Top career choices:

Chartered Accountant
Financial Analyst
Risk Management Consultant

Final Thoughts

Career choice in 2025 is all about looking ahead, following the trends in the job market, and gaining hands-on skills that make you stand out. Whether you want to work in Pakistan or pursue foreign job opportunities, the right career has the power to transform your future.

For an in-depth look at the top professions Pakistani students should choose, check out this insightful guide published on Australian News Network — a valuable resource for students planning their next move.

Part Time Job Guide in Pakistan

Are you a student, fresh graduate, or just someone who wants to earn some extra money in Pakistan? Good news — there are many easy and real ways to make income through part-time work, even if you don’t have much experience.

This guide will help you understand where to start and how to find part-time jobs in Pakistan, especially in cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, etc.

✅ 1. Online Freelancing

Freelancing is the best option for part-time earning. If you know skills like:

MS Office
Typing
Content writing
Graphic design
SEO
Data entry

You can earn from websites like:

Fiverr
Upwork
Freelancer
PeoplePerHour

You can start small and build your profile with time.

✅ 2. Local Job Portals

If you’re not comfortable with international freelancing, you can apply for part-time work through Pakistani job portals like:

Dostyy
Rozee
Mustakbil

Just sign up, complete your profile, and start applying for jobs. Many employers look for part-timers for data entry, office work, SEO, and teaching.

💡 Pro Tip: Make a strong profile with your photo, skills, and work experience (even if it's small).

Comment
byu/Routine_Tension7991 from discussion
inPakLounge

✅ 3. Teaching & Tuition

If you have a good grip on school or college subjects, you can offer home tuition or online teaching. Many students earn by:

Teaching school kids in the evening
Giving online classes using Zoom or WhatsApp
Working in small academies near their home

You can find teaching jobs through friends, Facebook groups, or local schools.

✅ 4. Delivery & Rider Jobs

If you have a motorbike, you can earn good part-time income through:

Foodpanda
Bykea
Cheetay
InDrive

These companies offer flexible working hours. Many students and young people are earning through evening or weekend shifts.

✅ 5. Work from Social Media

Join Facebook groups like:

Jobs in Lahore
Part Time Jobs Pakistan
Online Jobs for Students

Many people post real job offers. Just be careful and avoid scams. Never pay money to anyone for job offers.

✅ 6. Basic Skills You Can Learn in 1 Month

If you don’t have any skill yet, here are a few easy ones you can learn online:

Canva designing
MS Word & Excel
Typing jobs
Social media management
Blogging or content writing

YouTube has 100s of free tutorials in Urdu and English.

📌 Final Words

Earning part-time in Pakistan is possible if you are serious and ready to learn. You don’t need a degree — just basic skills, consistency, and an internet connection.

Start with small work, gain experience, and soon you’ll see regular income.

So what are you waiting for? Make your profile on Dostyy, Rozee, or start freelancing today. Success comes step by step 💪

Required Chef in DHA Lahore

Required Chef in DHA Lahore:

Looking for a Professional Chef in DHA Lahore – Apply Now on https://dostyy.com/

Hello everyone,

I am currently hiring professional chef for a reputable household/establishment in DHA Lahore. If you are an experienced chef or know someone who is, this is a great opportunity!

Requirements:

Must have experience as a chef (home or commercial setup)
Knowledge of local and/or continental cuisine is a plus
Must be punctual, well-mannered, and professional

To Apply: 👉 Visit www.dostyy.com
👉 Create your profile
👉 Upload your complete CV/profile including:

Your cooking experience
Last work history/employer
Your expected salary

📌 Only profiles submitted through Dostyy Job Portal will be considered.

Once your profile is complete, I will contact you via Dostyy Job Portal if you’re shortlisted.

Feel free to share this with others who might be a good fit.

Thank you!

How Dostyy Job Portal Helping Skilled Workers in Lahore

Lahore – a city full of ambition, potential, and untapped talent. As an entrepreneur with a deep connection to this vibrant city, I’ve witnessed both sides of the employment struggle: skilled individuals searching endlessly for the right job, and employers struggling to find reliable, qualified candidates.

That’s where Dostyy.com comes in — not just another job portal, but a purpose-driven platform designed to connect Lahore’s workforce with real, verified opportunities.

What to Know About the Job Market in Lahore

Lahore is booming rapidly — be it its booming service industry or a burgeoning startup scene, opportunity is everywhere. But the hiring process is sluggish, sluggish, and even maddening for the employer as well as job seeker.

And while on the one hand stand the millions of employees, from drivers and domestics to clerical assistants and call center personnel, eager for work. Against them stand firms desperate to have quality manpower. The imbalance stood out — in stepped the imperative for a locally-based, technologically-driven fix.

The Concept Behind Dostyy.com

Dostyy.com was established with only one purpose: to facilitate job searching and hiring in a simple way for the people of Lahore.

For the job seekers, it offers a simple interface through which they can create a profile and connect directly with potential employers.

For recruiters, it offers live access to verified worker profiles, which allows for smarter, safer, and faster hiring.

Different from common employment portals treating cities equally, Dostyy.com is built around Lahore — its populace, its demands, and its distinct market characteristics.

What Sets Dostyy.com Apart?

Hyperlocal Focus

We’re not targeting the whole country — we’re laser-focused on Lahore. This allows us to build stronger connections and provide more relevant results.

Verified Worker Profiles

Employers don’t have time to waste. Dostyy.com offers pre-screened worker profiles, making hiring more efficient.

Real-Time Hiring

Our platform allows employers to post jobs and get responses within hours — not days or weeks.

Support for All Job Types

Whether you’re hiring an office receptionist, a factory worker, or home staff, Dostyy.com brings everything under one digital roof.

Vision for the Future

We think Lahore needs a smarter, faster, and more human recruitment process. Our vision is to make every job seeker more opportunity and every employer more talent — all through one, reliable platform.

As an entrepreneur, I see Dostyy.com as something more than a business. It's a movement — a push toward a more connected, streamlined, and fair job market for Lahore.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you are an employer annoyed with the infinite loop of hiring or a job applicant waiting for a real chance — Dostyy.com is your next move.

Join now. Post a job. Apply for one. Let's create career connections that matter.