ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's poverty rate has increased to 28.9%, while nearly 800,000 citizens left the country in search of employment opportunities abroad during the last fiscal year, according to the Economic Survey presented in the National Assembly by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The survey showed a notable rise in poverty across both urban and rural areas. Urban poverty increased from 11% to 17.4%, while rural poverty climbed from 28.2% to 36.2%.
Provincial data identified Balochistan as the poorest province, with a poverty rate of 47%. It was followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 35.3%, Sindh at 32.6%, and Punjab at 23.3%.
The survey also reported a national literacy rate of 63%, reflecting continued progress in the education sector despite economic challenges.
According to the data, approximately 800,000 Pakistanis sought employment abroad during the year. Of these, around 530,000 moved to Saudi Arabia, making it the leading destination for overseas workers. About 68,000 went to Qatar, while the number moving to the United Arab Emirates declined to 52,000. Migration to the United Kingdom and Oman also decreased.
The report highlighted mixed trends in the energy and industrial sectors. Natural gas and oil production recorded declines, while coal production increased by 6.5%. Iron ore production posted a significant 41% increase, marking one of the strongest gains among major industrial commodities.
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Economists said the government's poverty figures have sparked debate over the state of the economy and raised questions about the effectiveness of measures aimed at improving living standards and creating employment opportunities.
