ISLAMABAD: Nearly 29 percent of Pakistan’s population is now living below the poverty line, with the national poverty rate rising to 28.9 percent, according to the latest Economic Survey.
The report revealed a sharp and concerning increase in poverty levels across the country, stating that around 29 percent of the population is now forced to live below the poverty threshold.
According to the Economic Survey, the poverty rate has shown a continuous upward trend since 2018-19, reaching 28.9 percent overall.
The data shows worsening conditions in both rural and urban areas. In rural regions, the poverty rate has increased significantly from 28.2 percent to 36.2 percent, while in urban areas it has risen from 11 percent to 17.4 percent.
Provincial breakdowns indicate that Balochistan remains the most affected province, with a poverty rate of 47 percent. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the rate stands at 35.3 percent, followed by Sindh at 32.6 percent and Punjab at 23.3 percent.
The survey also highlights growing income inequality in Pakistan, noting that the gap between the rich and poor has widened from 28 percent to 33 percent, reflecting increasing economic disparity.
