Poverty in Pakistan

Poverty in Pakistan continues to be a source of distress for the country. The rise in poverty is a
global phenomenon and developing countries like Pakistan seem to be the worst victims. There
seems no solution of this problem. According to latest World Bank Reports Pakistan is ranked at
number 43 in the list of countries which are composed to poverty.

In view of the Human Development Index about 63 % of the country earns less than $2 dollars
per day around 23 % live on under $1 per day. Unequal distribution of the income in Pakistan is
a major issue which causes poverty in the country. Another World Bank Reports highlights the
fact that 37.4 % children in Pakistan below the age of five are underfed. Pakistan planning
commission has claimed that poverty rate has increased by 14 % in the last three years. In the
recent time there has been decrease in the government spending for the welfare of the society
which has reduced the standard of living of the people.

Apart these problems there are other factors which make a person poor. There are lesser
opportunities for women to work in a labor market then men. So women suffer more than men
from poverty. The participation rate of women in labor market is just 13.7 % in contrast to men
who have participation rate of 70.4 %.

There are various causes but the major reason is the lack of governance. When people do not
have confidence in a country’s government there are not willing to invest in such an economy.
Poverty also depends on the structure on which a society is based.

Although rising poverty levels in Pakistan is an alarming situation. The politicians need to stop
fighting over their position in the government and concentrate on solving this issue. There is a
need for considerable efforts to increase jobs and employment opportunities for the people.