An Investigation of Pre and Post Reforms Poverty Reduction in Pakistan (1964-2006)

The aim of this study is to investigate the pre and post reform poverty reduction in Pakistan. A consistent time series of poverty estimates from 1964-2006 has been developed in order to facilitate the analysis of poverty trends, together with data on income inequality. This research has attempted to analyze Pakistan’s poverty and inequality statistics in terms of pro-poor growth scenarios. The study demonstrates that poverty outcomes differ widely relative to the overall rate of growth across pre and post reform periods and at overall national level in Pakistan. The study concludes that economic growth alone does not guarantee sustained poverty reduction. The Government should form policies that are more directed towards pro-growth and pro-poor for the welfare of the state