Pakistan Struggles With Hunger, World Bank Report Reveals

New Delhi : A recent World Bank report has starkly highlighted the contrasting poverty trends between India and Pakistan, exposing a growing crisis in the latter. According to the report, India has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty over the past decade. In 2011-12, 27.1% of India’s population lived below the poverty line. By 2022-23, this figure had dropped dramatically to 5.3%, lifting nearly 269 million people out of poverty.

In stark contrast, Pakistan has seen a troubling increase in extreme poverty. Between 2017-18 and 2020-21, the proportion of Pakistan’s population living in extreme poverty rose from 4.9% to 16.5%. The findings paint a grim picture of Pakistan’s socioeconomic stability and the well-being of its citizens.

Experts attribute India’s success to sustained economic growth, targeted social welfare programs, and sound governance that prioritized development and poverty alleviation. On the other hand, Pakistan’s rising poverty levels have been linked to economic mismanagement, political instability, and the misuse of financial resources. Critics argue that instead of focusing on development, the Pakistani government has diverted significant portions of its international loans towards activities that support extremism and regional destabilization.

The World Bank report also underscores Pakistan’s deepening food insecurity crisis. Millions of Pakistani citizens are now struggling to afford basic necessities, with many regions facing chronic hunger and malnutrition. The nation’s faltering economy, high inflation, and declining agricultural output have further exacerbated the crisis.

In response to the report, Pakistani officials have acknowledged the challenges but blame external factors, such as global economic downturns and natural disasters, for the worsening situation. However, independent analysts insist that structural reforms and a shift in policy priorities are urgently needed to address the country’s growing poverty and food insecurity.

The World Bank’s findings have triggered intense debate across Pakistan’s political and media circles. Calls for greater transparency in public spending and a renewed focus on economic development are growing louder. Meanwhile, neighboring India’s success story continues to serve as a model for poverty reduction through effective governance and inclusive growth.

As Pakistan grapples with these daunting challenges, the international community will be watching closely to see whether its leadership can reverse the current trends and steer the country towards a more stable and prosperous future.