Pakistan’s poverty rate increases by 7% over three years, claims WB

(Web Desk): According to a World Bank report, poverty in Pakistan has increased by 7% over the past three years.

During a press briefing, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, Bolorma Amgaabazar stated that the current poverty rate in Pakistan is 25.3%, compared to 18.3% in 2022. The poverty rate rose to 24.8% in 2023–24, and further increased to 25.3% in 2024–25.

She noted that from 2001 to 2015, poverty in Pakistan decreased at an average rate of 3% per year, and from 2015 to 2018, it continued to decline by 1% annually. However, since 2022, poverty has been on the rise, with a noticeable spike following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Country Director further revealed that between 2011 and 2021, people’s incomes increased by only 2 to 3%. Additionally, 85% of workers are employed in low-income sectors, while 95% work in the informal economy.

She also stated that 60 to 80% of Pakistan's population lives in urban areas, although official statistics show that 39% of the population resides in cities.