Poverty alleviation refers to the efforts, strategies, and policies aimed at reducing or eliminating poverty. It involves improving the living standards, access to basic needs, and economic opportunities for people living in poverty. Poverty alleviation often involves addressing inequalities within society, such as unequal access to resources or opportunities. This is globally recognized by the rising nations of the world as a goal for development and their recognition as a nation to reckon with in global politics and economic strides.

Are any strategies, policies, and efforts on eliminating poverty on the priority list of things to do of Pakistan? The answer lies in a reality check on the ground. While the nation celebrates the stability in the key fiscal performance indicators of the country, the news for the poor of the country is disturbing. IMF has revised Pakistan’s growth downward by 2.6 percent.

In the same breath, the World Bank estimates that 1.9 million more people will fall below the poverty line this year. This figure will add on to more than 42 percent of the population currently living below the poverty line — a level unsuitable for maintaining the socioeconomic fabric of a country.

The World Economic Outlook underlines that Pakistan’s projected economic growth is insufficient to bring down poverty, despite some positivity in stabilizing the economy and the easing of inflation. Economists........

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