Social Safety Nets (SSNs) play a vital role in poverty reduction and risk mitigation, particularly in developing countries impacted by structural reforms. These targeted transfer programs—ranging from cash to in-kind aid—are designed to protect vulnerable populations, enhance income distribution, and promote social well-being. While social protection is a broader right, SSNs are specific mechanisms to achieve equity and economic stability. Globally, programs like Brazil’s Bolsa Familia and South Africa’s Child Support Grant demonstrate varying degrees of success depending on targeting, coverage, and implementation. In Pakistan, current efforts are focused on unconditional cash transfers under the Ehsaas program, but lack sufficient integration of conditional models that promote skill development and sustainable livelihoods. Aligning with SDG Goal 1, the country must enhance monitoring, digitalization, and policy frameworks to improve outcomes. Strategic shifts toward the Poverty Graduation Model and expanding social protection to informal sectors can ensure long-term poverty alleviation.
_________________________Poverty in Pakistan is a multifaceted issue rooted in systemic socioeconomic challenges, including limited access to income-generating skills. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) offers a pragmatic solution by equipping youth with competencies to become self-reliant and entrepreneurial. This paper examines the inadequacy of conventional academic education in addressing unemployment and proposes a robust, skill-based educational approach. Drawing from successful international models such as Norway, Finland, and Switzerland, the study emphasizes reforming Pakistan’s TVET system through public-private partnerships, updated curricula, and industry alignment. It outlines short-, medium-, and long-term policy interventions aimed at strengthening TVET quality, relevance, and societal perception. Empowering youth through market-driven vocational training can significantly contribute to poverty alleviation, economic development, and social inclusion in Pakistan.
_________________________Poverty is a multidimensional issue that encompasses economic, social, and political deprivation, making it difficult to define in absolute terms. In Pakistan, where over 21.9% of the population lives below the poverty line, microfinance has emerged as a viable tool for poverty alleviation. By offering small-scale financial services to underserved communities, particularly women, microfinance empowers individuals to generate income and improve their standard of living. However, Pakistan's microfinance sector faces several structural and operational challenges, such as high interest rates, lack of awareness, religious sensitivities, and inconsistent government policies. Despite its growth, microfinance in Pakistan lags behind neighboring countries like Bangladesh. For microfinance to effectively reduce poverty, policy reforms, digitization, public-private partnerships, and community-based models are essential. This paper explores the impact, challenges, and future prospects of microfinance as a sustainable poverty alleviation strategy in Pakistan.
_________________________The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector plays a pivotal role in driving socio-economic development in Pakistan, aligning with the goals of Vision 2025 and the Digital Pakistan Policy 2018. ICT encompasses a broad range of technologies that facilitate information dissemination, critical to economic competitiveness and poverty alleviation. Pakistan’s ICT industry has shown remarkable growth, with exports surpassing US $3.5 billion in recent years. However, challenges such as policy fragmentation, digital skill gaps, high service costs, and limited inclusion of marginalized groups persist. Strategic reforms— ranging from digital connectivity expansion, skills development, public-private partnerships, and tax rationalization—are recommended to harness ICT’s full potential. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusive growth, ICT can serve as a transformative tool for poverty reduction, innovation, and global market integration, especially for Pakistan’s predominantly young population.
_________________________In the aftermath of the 2022 floods, the Health Department adopted a three-pronged strategy to address the crisis: restoring health facilities, coordinating with partners for a collective response, and monitoring disease outbreaks. As a signatory to the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, a collective response to outbreaks was necessary, leading to collaboration with organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and ICRC. Health facility clusters were established, and the government’s strategy focused on Prevention, Detection, and Response. The department set up Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Units (PDSRUs) and District Disease Surveillance and Response Units (DDSRUs) under the supervision of the DGHS and Deputy Commissioner. These units aimed to provide rapid action in case of outbreaks. This paper evaluates the operational gaps in health department responses, including monitoring, damage assessment, and surveillance of diseases. It critically examines leadership tenures and response effectiveness, offering conclusions and recommendations for improving health department operations.
_________________________Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, offering immense potential for poverty alleviation if managed effectively. This study explores the dynamic relationship between agricultural development and poverty reduction in Pakistan, highlighting how innovations in farming techniques, improved irrigation systems, and enhanced infrastructure can significantly boost rural productivity and income. Despite its agricultural base, Pakistan continues to struggle with widespread poverty due to structural challenges, poor policy execution, and underutilization of youth and women in the sector. The study analyzes the "vicious circle of poverty" and identifies agriculture as a key driver to break this cycle through employment generation, income redistribution, and food security. It emphasizes the importance of institutional reforms, investment in research and development, and targeted support mechanisms like microcredit and price policies. Empirical findings underscore that agricultural growth leads to measurable reductions in poverty, particularly when complemented by social inclusion and infrastructure development. The paper offers policy recommendations across short-, mid- , and long-term horizons for sustainable impact.
_________________________The World Bank Group’s Doing Business project provides a global benchmark for the ease of conducting business by evaluating regulatory environments across 190 economies. Pakistan has undertaken nearly 300 reforms since 2016 to improve its investment climate, leading to a significant improvement of 39 positions in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings, reaching 108th place in 2020. These reforms focus on simplifying procedures for starting businesses, enhancing transparency, and reducing the time and cost of business operations, particularly for SMEs and LLCs. Pakistan was recognized as the top reformer in South Asia and the sixth globally. However, while EoDB reforms aim to foster economic growth and reduce poverty, the study reveals only marginal impact on poverty alleviation, indicating that EoDB indicators do not capture broader socio-economic variables like political stability, corruption, and macroeconomic health. For sustainable growth, a holistic policy approach is needed beyond the Doing Business framework.
_________________________Good governance plays a pivotal role in eradicating poverty, particularly in countries like Pakistan where poverty remains widespread despite numerous statesponsored programs. This study explores the multifaceted relationship between governance structures and poverty alleviation, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and stakeholder coordination. It critically examines Pakistan’s governance indicators and identifies sectoral weaknesses in judicial systems, law enforcement, water and sanitation, education, health, transport, and housing. Based on secondary data, expert interviews, and brainstorming sessions, the research outlines practical short- and long-term recommendations grounded in modern technological integration and institutional reforms. The study concludes that unless governance becomes inclusive, data-driven, and technologically empowered, po verty eradication will remain elusive. Recommendations advocate for evidence-based policymaking, cross-sectoral collaboration, and stronger regulatory frameworks. A governance culture rooted in accountability and innovation is essential for Pakistan to move toward sustainable development and socioeconomic equity