ISLAMABAD – Pakistan continues to fall behind its regional counterparts in meaningful social development, with challenges in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Despite various policy initiatives, the country struggles to translate plans into tangible improvements for its citizens.
A recent study highlights that Pakistan’s literacy rate stands at approximately 60.65%, the second lowest in South Asia after Afghanistan. Gender disparity in education remains a significant issue, with female literacy rates considerably lower than those of males. In rural areas, cultural norms and a lack of infrastructure further hinder girls’ access to education.
In healthcare, Pakistan faces high infant mortality rates and widespread malnutrition, particularly among children under five. The country’s health indicators lag behind regional and lower-middle-income peers, with quality spending in these areas steadily declining relative to GDP. Under-investment in human capital undercuts efforts to reduce poverty and inequality.
Poverty remains a pressing issue, with around 45% of Pakistan’s population living below the poverty line. The World Bank also noted a sharp rise in extreme poverty, with the proportion increasing from 4.9% to 16.5%. Additionally, 10 million additional individuals are at risk of descending into poverty.
The government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been inconsistent. The SDG unit in the planning ministry was dissolved in 2022 due to lack of support, leading to inactive provincial cells. Although there are plans to revive the SDG unit, the path forward remains unclear.
Experts argue that Pakistan’s development challenges are compounded by a fragmented policy approach and a lack of effective implementation. While policies exist, they often remain unexecuted, and the country continues to lag behind in achieving meaningful social development.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.