The World Bank’s report highlights the progress made in poverty reduction in Pakistan over the past two decades but underscores that significant challenges persist, particularly in rural areas, where poverty remains concentrated.
According to the report, one-quarter of the population still lives below the poverty line, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address poverty and inequality. The report acknowledges that while the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has played a crucial role in providing support to vulnerable households, there are opportunities to strengthen the program further.
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Key recommendations from the World Bank include increasing the adequacy of BISP benefits, improving the program’s delivery systems through the use of digital technology, enhancing grievance redress mechanisms, and deepening collaboration with provinces.
The report also underscores the impact of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters like floods, which have exacerbated poverty and vulnerability in Pakistan. It emphasizes the importance of investing in social protection programs to build resilience and mitigate the impacts of such shocks.
Despite the challenges, the report acknowledges the positive impacts of BISP, including improvements in consumption expenditure, food security, child nutrition, women’s mobility, and investments in health and education. However, it also highlights the need for continued investment in building effective delivery systems and addressing capacity challenges to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
Overall, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts to reduce poverty and inequality in Pakistan, calling for continued investment in social protection programs like BISP to support the country’s most vulnerable populations.
