Pakistan at crossroads: a struggle for development amidst challenges
Pakistan, with a population of 241.49 million [1], stands as the world’s fifth most populous country, and it grapples with countless complex issues that demand urgent attention and strategic intervention.
With a GDP per capita of $1,536 and a global ranking of 160 [2], Pakistan is entrenched in multidimensional poverty condition [3], affecting 38.3% of its citizens, particularly prevalent in the regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. The urban landscape tells a stark tale, as 37.44% of the population resides in cities, with over one-half struggling in slums. Life expectancy at birth averages at 66.1 years, with disparities between genders – 68.6 for women and 63.8 for men [4].
The Human Development Index (HDI) paints a somber picture, positioning Pakistan at 161 out of 191 countries, designating it as part of the “Low Human Development” category [5].
Classified as a “medium-low income” and semi-industrialized nation, in 2023 Pakistan reported an unemployment rate of 8.5% [6]. Notably, a significant portion of its total employment, approximately 80%, was derived from the informal economy.
In the realm of gender equality, Pakistan falters, ranking 142 out of 146 countries according to the Gender Gap Global Index 2022. Despite constitutional provisions for gender equality, discrimination and violence against women persist unchecked.
While adult literacy rates show improvement, especially for women, with a rise from 41% in 2010 to 46.9% in 2019, the employment disparity is glaring. In 2022, only 24.6% of women above 15 years old were actively employed, compared to a striking 80.9% of men in the workforce [7].
37.5% of Pakistan’s workforce toils in the agricultural sector, where women constitute a significant 68% of those employed. However, a skewed distribution of arable land and murky property rights management hinder small farmers from escaping the clutches of poverty. Alarming statistics reveal that 42.4% of the population lacks food security, and 36.7% of children below 5 years suffer from stunting [8].
The water crisis adds to the nation’s woes, with 35.8% of the population lacking access to clean and potable water, leading to widespread diseases, especially among mothers and children.
The looming threat of a decrease in water availability per capita to 800m³ by 2025, falling below the international standard of 1,000m³ defining water scarcity [9], compounds the challenges.
June 2022 brought unprecedented heavy rains and floods across Pakistan, causing substantial human losses and crippling public and private infrastructures. Approximately 33 million people were affected, leading to 8 million internally displaced persons. As observed at the end of 2022, 600,000 people endured severe consequences, residing in camps with limited access to basic services. By the dawn of 2023, around 20 million people found themselves in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
Pakistan standing as one of the most affected nations by extreme natural events, according to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021.
In the face of these daunting challenges, the “Pakistan 2025 – One Nation, One Vision” [10] aims to seek to define the country’s development strategy by adopting Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Published by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023 delves into specific strategies to cope with climate change and develop resilience against its dire consequences.
The plan underscores the importance of supporting farmers to develop new production systems, improving water and natural capital management, and promoting urban climate-smart services at all administrative levels. Additionally, the NAP 2023 aims to shield health and education services from the relentless onslaught of climate and economic crises. To realize its ambitious goals, the plan actively seeks the involvement of international partners with the full support of the Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning.
As Pakistan stands at a critical juncture, the implementation of these comprehensive strategies becomes imperative for forging a path towards a more resilient and sustainable future. The nation’s journey toward development demands collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to navigate the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead.