Why Poverty Reduction Programs of Pakistan Did Not Bring Significant Change: An Appraisal [IRTI Working Paper Series, WP# 1435-17]

Pakistan is a lower middle-income country, which is home to a large number of poor, constituting about one-third of its population. The incidence of poverty has remained at around 30 percent of the population during last four decades. The country has been struggling for poverty reduction and has been introducing poverty alleviation programs from time to time. Despite these efforts, poverty persists. The country is facing many challenges including low growth, high inflation and unemployment, sectarian strife, and poor governance. This article overviews the incidence of poverty, social safety nets programs of the country and discusses why these programs did not bring significant and tangible results. © Author