New Delhi
A new report by the Social Policy and Development Centre reveals that poverty in Pakistan has reached 43.5 percent, much higher than official estimates of 28.9 percent by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The study shows urban areas are hit harder, with poverty rising faster in cities than villages. Experts say the gap of 14.6 percent is due to different calculation methods. Government data uses price trends that may not reflect real costs for poor families.
In contrast, the SPDC measures food needs and daily calorie intake, giving a clearer picture of basic living costs. The report estimates millions have fallen into poverty in recent years.
Researchers warn that living conditions are worsening across the country and stress the need for more accurate data to guide policies and support struggling communities effectively.
