IN a recent report issued by the World Bank, it has been revealed that 44.7% of Pakistan’s population has fallen below the poverty line.
The ongoing economic deterioration over the past several years, the rising burden of foreign debt, and the stringent conditions imposed by international financial institutions have led to a continual increase in poverty, further worsening the everyday hardships of the common person.
According to the latest economic survey, Pakistan’s per capita income is $1,824 annually, significantly lower than India’s $2,485 and Bangladesh’s $2,820, placing it behind regional peers.
While 716 billion rupees—21% more than last year—has been proposed for income support, the real challenge lies in ensuring these funds reach deserving individuals, as many ineligible people currently benefit.
Alongside tax increases, there is an urgent need to prioritize support for low-income segments.
The budget mentions reforms in the energy sector, but in practice, the public continues to suffer from high electricity prices, gas shortages and the burden of inflated utility bills.
Rather than decreasing, circular debt is increasing and the rising cost of production is being passed on to the average consumer.
Agriculture could play a critical role in reducing poverty, but the government has not announced any substantial package for the agricultural sector.
After a 14% decline in agricultural output, it was expected that the government would take compensatory steps, but that did not happen.
For genuine progress in efforts to revive the struggling economy, economic managers carry a special responsibility.
They must work to control inflation and unemployment through the development of small and medium industries, agricultural progress, and the promotion of education and vocational training.
A true indicator of a society’s development is the downward flow of wealth from the top to the lower strata.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), a six-member family in Pakistan requires more than 75,000 rupees per month to meet basic needs.
Millions in Pakistan are forced to choose between feeding their families or paying their utility bills due to low wages.
Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the right of every working person to fair wages that ensure a life of dignity for them and their families.
However, the current budget offers little reflection of this principle.
It is now critically important to control the rising tide of poverty, as it is also a foundational requirement for national stability.
The real measure of economic development is not how much GDP has grown or how high the stock market has risen, but whether the life of the average citizen has improved: Can they afford basic bread?
Did the farmer receive a fair return for their labour?
Did the unemployed youth find work?
Economic improvement should be reflected not just in data, but in the lived experience of the common man.
Poverty is becoming an acute and festering issue that deeply worries every Pakistani.
It not only impacts the economy but also exacerbates social problems and sectarianism.
Rising poverty fuels social crimes, unemployment, and political instability with consequences not just for individuals but for the entire social fabric.
If it is not addressed with seriousness, the outcomes could be devastating.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Faisalabad. (ranazahid4@gmail.com)
