Low life expectancy

life expectancy in Pakistan is 65 years as the country lags behind other South Asian countries in good health average

Life expectancy is widely accepted as an indicator of the healthcare status of a country. Contemporarily, it has also been used as a general indicator for national development as longevity is now considered equally essential for economic development. At a global level, First World countries, particularly in Europe, have a relatively higher rate of life expectancy as compared to underdeveloped countries — with the majority of African countries finding themselves at the bottom of the list. This is because wealthy countries have a higher average life expectancy than poorer countries, which is achieved through a high standard of living, efficient health systems and better resources such as for sanitation, housing, education, etc.

Within the mix, Pakistan is also somewhere on the lower end of the spectrum and ranks around 150^th. According to the Pakistan Demographic Survey, life expectancy in Pakistan is 65 years as the country lags behind other South Asian countries in the ‘good health’ average. Majority of the population is part of the labour or work force that, due to low employment opportunities, are forced into jobs with occupational hazards and lack of safety. For example, mine workers are not provided protective gear, the result of which is witnessed in later stages when their physical body starts to break down. Further, Pakistan has also seen a rise in mental health due to social isolation, unhealthy diet and increased stress.

The dilapidated healthcare system of the country neither has the expertise nor the resources available to tackle such health emergency crises. To add to this, climate change has further exacerbated the situation while research also indicates that air pollution has shortened the average Pakistani’s life expectancy by 4.3 years.

This is a damning indicator that merits attention across the board. Otherwise, the socio-economic condition of Pakistan will continue to worsen. Short-term initiatives will have no effect and only through thorough planning and execution can officials gradually build institutions and systems from the ground up.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2022.

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