The Poverty Front

Article Type

Article

Description

Nearly half of Pakistan’s population lives in multidimensional poverty, with the poorest concentrated in rural areas and urban slums. The Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, established in 2018 and once led by Dr. Sania Nishtar, has rolled out major initiatives such as the Ehsaas programme, undergraduate scholarships, and emergency cash transfers during Covid-19. While these programmes have expanded social protection, rising inflation and debt burdens have eroded their impact. Methodological flaws in poverty data and weak resource efficiency further limit progress. Experts argue that poverty reduction must shift from short-term relief to long-term structural reforms, with stronger coordination between federal, provincial, and district governments. Prioritizing education, healthcare, and investment in the poorest districts is essential to reduce inequality and enable sustainable human development.

Publication Source

The News International

Publication Date

2-20-2022

Pages

online

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