PAKISTAN’S journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been marked by slow progress, with only 20% of targets on track, 42% showing moderate advancement and 38% regressing.

The nation’s ranking—137th out of 167 countries—lags behind regional peers, reflecting systemic socio-economic and governance challenges.

As the FY26 budget unfolds, critical interventions are needed to address gaps in poverty reduction, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Pakistan’s SDG Performance in Regional Context: Pakistan’s SDG Index score of 57.0 is significantly lower than the regional average of 66.5.

Countries such as Bhutan (72.5), Indonesia (69.4), Sri Lanka (67.4), Nepal (67.1) and Bangladesh (64.3) have outperformed Pakistan in key development indicators.

Afghanistan, ranking 162nd, is the only country in the region with a lower score.

Social Sector Investments: Pakistan’s fight against poverty (SDG 1) remains sluggish, as economic disparities widen.

The percentage of the population living below the $2.15 per day poverty threshold remains higher than in Bangladesh, which has successfully reduced poverty through sustained economic growth and social safety nets.

With the FY26 budget emphasizing social protection, targeted fiscal allocations toward employment generation, food security and inclusive financial services could help uplift vulnerable communities.

Key health indicators (SDG 3) also underscore the need for greater healthcare........

© Pakistan Observer