Pakistan’s poverty rate has risen alarmingly, with a 7% increase over the past three years. World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, Bholorma Amgaabazar, released a report stating that the poverty rate, which stood at 18.3% in fiscal year 2022, rose to 24.8% in 2023 and further climbed to 25.3% by 2025.
The report highlighted that between 2001 and 2015, poverty fell by 3% annually, while from 2015 to 2018 the decline slowed to just 1% per year. However, from 2022 onwards, the poverty rate started rising again.
According to the World Bank, between 2011 and 2021, people’s incomes grew by 2–3%. Poverty reduction was largely driven by non-agricultural income sources, which accounted for 57% of the decline, while agricultural income contributed 18%.
Pakistan’s poverty rate has risen alarmingly, with a 7% increase over the past three years.while 85% are engaged in low-income occupations. The World Bank also stated that 60–80% of Pakistan’s population resides in urban areas, though official figures put the urban population at 39%.