ISLAMABAD – Pakistan s poverty rate has increased to 28.9 %, meaning nearly 29 out of every 100 Pakistanis are living below the poverty line, based on to the Economic Survey 2025-26. The survey states that poverty in Pakistan is measured based on an individual s ability to meet minimum essential expenditures. Sources close to the matter say additional details are expected to emerge soon.

The Broader Picture

To understand the full scope of this development, it is important to consider the broader context.

According to the report, poverty remains significantly higher in rural areas, where the poverty rate stands at 36.2 %, compared to 17.4 % in urban centres.

Among the provinces, Balochistan recorded the highest poverty rate at 47 %, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 35.3 % and Sindh at 32.6 %.

Alongside the primary story, punjab reported the lowest poverty rate at 23.3 %.

Expert Analysis

Observers say the significance of what has occurred cannot be understated.

The survey noted that poverty has been rising again since fiscal year 2018-19.

Significantly, at that time, the poverty rate stood at 21.9 %, but it has now climbed to 28.9 %.

Observers have also noted that the report attributed the increase largely to inflation and economic pressures that have pushed millions of people below the poverty line.

Impact on Americans

For many, the real significance lies not just in what happened — but in what comes next.

The Economic Survey furthermore highlighted growing income inequality across the country.

As the story continues to develop, sindh recorded the highest level of inequality at 35.9 %, followed by Punjab at 32 %, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 29.4 %, and Balochistan at 26.6 %.

Alongside the primary story, as stated by to the report, Pakistan ’ s labour force consists of 83.1 million people, of whom 77.2 million are employed, even as 5.9 million remain unemployed.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the survey further revealed that 762,499 Pakistanis went abroad for employment opportunities amid 2025, reflecting increasing demand for overseas jobs and maintained demands on the domestic labour market.

As the story continues to develop, the post Pakistan s poverty rate rises to 28.9pc in FY2025-26, Economic Survey reveals appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

Looking Ahead

As this story continues to evolve, all eyes will remain on how key figures and institutions respond. Further developments are expected, and this news outlet will continue to follow the situation closely as it unfolds in the coming days.