ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is grappling with a rising poverty crisis, with nearly 29% of its population now living below the poverty line, government sources have revealed.
The alarming figures come just ahead of the arrival of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) review mission.
According to official estimates, the poverty rate has climbed sharply over the past six years. In fiscal year 2018-19, 21.9% of Pakistanis were living in poverty. By 2024-25, this number had surged to 28.8%, representing a nearly seven-percentage-point increase.
The rise in poverty is felt across the country, with provinces such as Punjab and Sindh particularly affected. Senior government officials told The News that a combination of factors has contributed to the worsening situation. These include three IMF stabilization programs, the economic impact of COVID-19, commodity price surges, inflation, slow GDP growth, two major floods, and the removal of wheat support prices.
Analysts warn that without targeted economic relief and social safety measures, the number of people falling into poverty could continue to rise, intensifying social and economic challenges nationwide.
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