Pakistan, a country with a population exceeding 240 million, is grappling with a grave socioeconomic crisis: over 110 million people, nearly half of the nation’s population, live in extreme poverty. According to recent reports and analyses, these individuals survive on less than $3 per day, a figure that underscores the widespread economic hardship faced by millions across the country.

The Alarming Scale of Poverty in Pakistan

Extreme poverty in Pakistan has been steadily increasing, reversing years of progress and highlighting systemic challenges. The World Bank and other international organizations define extreme poverty as living on less than $3.65 a day, adjusted for purchasing power parity in developing countries. Pakistan’s situation is even more severe, with many living under the $3 threshold, reflecting a life constrained by lack of basic necessities such as adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

The figure of 110 million people living in such conditions translates to about 45-50% of the population. This means almost every second Pakistani struggles to meet even the most fundamental needs. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated, as poverty is deeply intertwined with other issues such as malnutrition, illiteracy, unemployment, and poor health outcomes.

Why Is Poverty Rising Despite Economic Growth?

Pakistan has experienced some economic growth over the last decade, with periods of increased GDP and development projects. However, this growth has not been inclusive, leaving large segments of the population behind. Several factors contribute to the persistent and growing poverty rates:

1. Income Inequality: Wealth and income are concentrated among a small elite, while the majority remain economically marginalized. This disparity has widened, with the rich benefiting disproportionately from economic gains.

2. Unemployment and Underemployment: Many Pakistanis are either unemployed or engaged in informal, low-paying jobs without job security or benefits. This reduces their ability to improve their living standards.

3. Inflation and Cost of Living: Rising inflation, especially in food and fuel prices, severely impacts low-income households. When prices increase but wages remain stagnant, the purchasing power of the poor diminishes drastically.

4. Agricultural Challenges: Agriculture employs a large portion of Pakistan’s workforce, but this sector suffers from outdated technology, water shortages, and lack of investment. Farmers often earn barely enough to survive.

5. Education and Skill Deficits: Lack of access to quality education limits opportunities for better-paying jobs. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty from generation to generation.

6. Political Instability and Policy Failures: Frequent political changes and inconsistent economic policies hinder long-term development planning and poverty alleviation efforts.

Impact on Society and Future Generations

The repercussions of such widespread poverty are profound and multifaceted. Children in impoverished households often suffer from malnutrition and are more prone to disease. Many are forced to drop out of school to work and support their families, depriving the country of skilled human capital for the future. Health care access remains limited for the poor, leading to higher mortality rates and reduced life expectancy.

Social unrest can also grow in environments where large populations feel neglected and deprived of basic rights and opportunities. This threatens political stability and hampers economic progress.

Government and International Responses

Pakistan’s government has implemented various social safety nets and poverty alleviation programs, such as the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), which provides cash transfers to vulnerable families. These initiatives have helped many households survive economic shocks but have not been sufficient to significantly reduce poverty rates on their own.

International organizations, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have urged Pakistan to undertake structural reforms. Recommendations often include expanding the tax base by bringing untaxed sectors like agriculture and real estate into the fold, improving governance to reduce corruption, and investing more heavily in education, health, and infrastructure.

The World Bank’s recent assessments also highlight the urgent need for policies that create jobs and encourage investment in sectors capable of generating sustainable growth. Without these reforms, Pakistan risks falling further behind in its poverty reduction goals.

What Needs to Be Done?

Tackling poverty on such a large scale requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Inclusive Economic Growth: Economic policies should prioritize job creation, particularly in industries that can absorb large numbers of low-skilled workers.

• Education and Skill Development: Expanding access to quality education and vocational training can empower the youth to find better employment opportunities.

• Social Protection: Expanding cash transfer programs and ensuring they reach the most vulnerable can alleviate immediate suffering and prevent people from falling deeper into poverty.

• Agricultural Reform: Modernizing agriculture through technology, better water management, and improved access to credit can boost productivity and rural incomes.

• Tax Reforms: Broadening the tax base and improving tax collection will provide the government with more resources to invest in social services and infrastructure.

• Governance and Anti-Corruption: Strengthening institutions and ensuring transparency are essential to effective poverty reduction strategies.

Conclusion

The reality that over 110 million Pakistanis live on less than $3 a day is a stark reminder of the immense challenges the country faces. It is a call to action for policymakers, civil society, and the international community to intensify efforts aimed at reducing poverty. Without urgent and sustained reforms, the cycle of poverty will continue to trap millions, undermining Pakistan’s development potential and social cohesion.

Addressing poverty is not merely a matter of economic policy but a moral imperative to ensure dignity, security, and opportunity for all citizens. The future of Pakistan depends on how effectively it can tackle this deep-rooted problem and uplift its most vulnerable populations.

Reference: پاکستان میں 11 کروڑ افراد انتہائی غریب ، آمدن 3 ڈالر روزانہ سے بھی کم