KARACHI: Pakistan currently stands at a critical crossroads, where the country’s seemingly positive economic indicators starkly contrast with the difficult realities faced by millions of its citizens.
On one hand, the stock market is reaching record highs, inflation has shown signs of moderation, and the government, with support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), claims to have stabilized the economy. On the other hand, a recent report by the World Bank exposes serious underlying issues that threaten the well-being of a large segment of the population.
According to the report, millions of Pakistanis continue to struggle with poverty, exacerbated by high living costs, inadequate social protections, and limited economic opportunities. In 2001, 60 percent of the population lived below the poverty line, but sustained efforts reduced this figure to 21 percent by 2018.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing political instability, and recurring economic shocks have reversed much of this progress. By 2023–24, the poverty rate exceeded 27 percent, with nearly half the population living below internationally recognized poverty thresholds.
Rural areas bear the heaviest burden, particularly in Balochistan and interior Sindh, where more than half the population lives in poverty. In contrast, Punjab and Islamabad show relatively lower poverty rates, highlighting significant regional disparities across the country. Pakistan’s human development indicators further underscore the severity of the crisis.
Approximately 40 percent of children suffer from malnutrition, leading to long-term physical and cognitive challenges. Educational outcomes remain poor, with insufficient access to quality schooling and high dropout rates, limiting future opportunities for millions of young Pakistanis.
The labor market is also highly insecure. Over 85 percent of jobs are in the informal sector, where workers have no stable income or social safety nets. Women are disproportionately represented in this vulnerable segment, further hindering gender equality and economic empowerment.
Rising inflation, recurring natural disasters, and limited household incomes have significantly reduced the resilience of ordinary families, with even small increases in living costs capable of pushing thousands more into poverty.
The World Bank emphasizes that macroeconomic stability alone is not enough. Sustainable and inclusive growth requires targeted investment in education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions. Social protection programs must be expanded and strengthened, while tax reforms should ensure that all segments of society benefit from development.
Until the benefits of growth reach ordinary citizens, claims of economic success will remain largely symbolic. True progress for Pakistan will only be realized when the quality of life improves measurably for every individual, across all regions and social groups.
