KARACHI:
Pakistan’s struggle with social inequality persists, ranking 164th out of 193 nations on the Human Development Index (HDI). According to the UNDP’s 2023-24 report, 22% of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line and 37% face food insecurity. Wealth remains disproportionately concentrated, with the top 10% holding 25% of the nation’s income share. The country’s National Human Development Report highlights stark disparities in education, healthcare and opportunities. Specifically, 22.5 million children are out of school, 6.8 million people lack access to healthcare, and female graduates are 3.8 times more likely to be unemployed than their male counterparts. UNICEF’s 2024 report mirrors these findings, showing just how deep the extent of inequality in Pakistan has become. The World Bank’s 2024 figures reveal a 33% decline in the country’s inequality-adjusted HDI.
The time has come for policymakers to focus on economic empowerment and human development. But the road ahead is long, and the effort will require more than policy changes. What is desperately needed is a shift in the very fabric of society, on how people think. Instead of focusing on short-term profitability, policymakers must start looking and the bigger picture and prioritise long-term growth.
Shari Wahid
Turbat
