A viral social media post comparing two very different job advertisements has triggered fresh debate over how technically skilled workers are paid in Pakistan, particularly in government-backed research roles.

The post shared side-by-side ads for two positions with sharply different pay packages. One was for a Research Assistant under the research project HEREF-3003, funded by the Higher Education Archives & Libraries Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under Principal Investigator Prof. Fakhra Aziz.

The project, titled “Ternary Non-Fullerene Based Polymer Solar Cells: Fabrication and Investigation of Solar Cells on Rigid and Flexible Substrates,” seeks candidates with MPhil, MS, or PhD qualifications, whether enrolled or completed, in fields including Electronics, Physics, Engineering, Engineering Sciences, or related disciplines.

Applicants with experience in material science, thin solid films, data analysis, material characterization techniques, and simulation or modelling are preferred.

Despite the highly technical nature of the role, the advertised pay is only Rs. 750 per day for six months.

The second ad shared in the post was for tall background dancers for a singer, offering a salary of Rs. 50,000, along with free food, accommodation, and medical facilities.

Choose your field wisely….. pic.twitter.com/dNWWonlqou

— iffi (@iffiViews) April 28, 2026

The contrast quickly drew attention online, with many users saying the comparison exposed a wider problem in Pakistan’s job market, where highly qualified candidates in research and technical fields are often offered modest pay, while private and informal gigs can provide far more attractive compensation.

The post has fueled criticism over how scientific and academic work is valued, especially when advanced qualifications and specialized skills are required for positions that offer wages many consider far below market expectations.

It has also revived concerns about the long-standing gap between the compensation available in public-sector technical jobs and the earnings offered in private, entertainment, and local gig-based roles.

Visit EduNation to find scholarships from around the world.

📢 For the latest General & Pakistan news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!

Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!

Shares