Editorial standards
Sourcing policy
How Pakistan Pays sources salary figures and layoff reports, and what our four status labels mean.
1. Every number has a named source
Every figure links to its source, with the date we checked it and the sample size where the source gives one (for example: "Levels.fyi, 148 submissions, checked 6 Oct 2026"). For salaries we always say whether a number is base pay or total compensation.
2. When sources disagree, we show both
We put the figures side by side and explain why they differ (total vs base pay, who submits, sample size, date). We never average them into a new number.
3. Our own maths is labelled
Conversions such as yearly ÷ 12, and rounding, are marked "our maths". They are not presented as the source's figures.
4. Status labels
Every layoff or hiring report, and every article, carries exactly one of these labels:
The company, or an official filing or statement, confirms it.
At least one named news outlet reported it, or (for data articles) the figures are published by a named third-party source such as a salary site, but not confirmed by employers.
Social media or a single unnamed source only.
Reported and denied. We show both sides and the date.
A roundup article that covers several reports carries the label that best describes it overall, and each item inside keeps its own label.
5. Privacy of people
We never publish an anonymous person's salary without consent, and we never publish the names of laid-off individuals.
6. Independence
We don't take payment to include or leave out a company. If we ever carry sponsored content or paid job listings, they will be clearly labelled and kept separate from editorial content.
7. AI assists, sources decide
An AI assistant helps draft from the cited sources. Every figure and link is checked against its source before publishing, and readers can send corrections through our contact page.
8. Mistakes
See our corrections policy, or report an error.