Archive · 24 Sep 2025
World Bank: Pakistan's Poverty Reduction Stalls Due to Setbacks
Pakistan made good progress in reducing poverty between 2001 and 2019, thanks to people moving to cities for jobs.
However, the World Bank says this progress has stopped.
The report says things like the COVID-19 pandemic, rising prices, and floods have hurt the economy.
Many people were just barely above the poverty line, making them vulnerable.
The government acknowledges the problem and is working on programs to help people and create jobs, aiming to reduce poverty again.
Pakistan's poverty reduction stalled due to economic shocks.
Poverty rose to 25% by 2024 after previous gains.
Urbanization reduced poverty from 64% (2001) to 22% (2019).
The report cited COVID-19, global inflation, and floods as setbacks.
The government plans welfare programs and job creation to address the issue.
- Who
- World Bank
- What
- Reported that Pakistan's poverty reduction has stalled.
- When
- 2024
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- Due to economic shocks and weak reforms.
World Bank Findings
Government Response
Poverty Trend
World Bank Findings
Poverty reduction has reversed and stalled in recent years.
Government Response
The government is implementing programs to reduce poverty.
- Poverty Rate Peak
- 64% (2001)
- Poverty Rate Low
- 22% (2019)
- Current Poverty Rate
- 25% (2024)
- Cause of Slowdown
- Economic shocks and weak reforms
- Key Setbacks
- COVID-19, global inflation, and floods in 2022 and 2025