Pakistan’s 40% Population Lives Below Poverty Line, Says World Bank: Report
the World Bank’s 2023 Poverty and Inequality Report states that 40% of Pakistan’s population lives below the national poverty line, defined as an income of less than $3.20 per day. This means that around 88 million Pakistanis are living in poverty.
The report also found that poverty rates are higher in rural areas (48%) than in urban areas (30%). Poverty is also more prevalent among women (44%) than among men (36%).
The report attributes Pakistan’s high poverty rate to a number of factors, including:
- Rapid population growth
- A weak economy
- High levels of inflation
- Unequal distribution of wealth
- Lack of access to education and healthcare
The report also found that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty in Pakistan. Millions of people lost their jobs and incomes during the pandemic, and many fell into poverty.
The World Bank’s report is a reminder of the serious challenges facing Pakistan in its fight against poverty. The government needs to implement policies that promote economic growth, create jobs, and improve access to education and healthcare. It is also important to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably.
Some things that the Pakistani government can do to reduce poverty:
- Invest in education and healthcare
- Create jobs by investing in infrastructure and other sectors of the economy
- Provide social safety nets for the poor and vulnerable
- Promote gender equality
- Reduce corruption