National ( The cow news digital ) Pakistan’s latest Economic Survey has revealed a mixed and concerning picture of the national economy, highlighting rising poverty levels alongside a record increase in outward migration for employment opportunities.
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the annual economic survey in the National Assembly, outlining key social and economic indicators for the previous fiscal year.
According to the survey, the country’s literacy rate has improved, reaching 63 percent. However, this positive development is overshadowed by a sharp increase in poverty, which has risen to 28.9 percent nationwide. The data shows that urban poverty has climbed from 11 percent to 17.4 percent, while rural poverty has surged from 28.2 percent to 36.2 percent, reflecting widening economic pressure on lower-income households.
Regional disparities remain significant. Balochistan continues to be the most affected province, with a poverty rate of 47 percent. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa follows as the second poorest province at 35.3 percent. Sindh records a poverty rate of 32.6 percent, while Punjab stands comparatively lower at 23.3 percent, though still facing notable economic challenges.
One of the most striking findings in the survey is the scale of labour migration. Approximately 800,000 Pakistanis left the country in the last fiscal year in search of employment abroad. Saudi Arabia remained the top destination, receiving around 530,000 Pakistani workers. Qatar ranked second with 68,000 migrants, while the United Arab Emirates saw a decline, with only 52,000 workers heading there. Migration to Oman and the United Kingdom also decreased compared to previous years.
The survey further highlights shifts in the country’s energy and industrial production. Domestic production of oil and natural gas declined, indicating ongoing challenges in the energy sector. In contrast, coal production increased by 6.5 percent, while iron ore output recorded a significant surge of 41 percent, suggesting uneven industrial growth across sectors.
Economists suggest that the rise in poverty, combined with large-scale labour migration, reflects structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s domestic job market. While overseas employment continues to provide relief through remittances, the long-term challenge remains the creation of stable and sustainable employment opportunities within the country.
The findings underline the need for policy reforms aimed at strengthening economic resilience, improving energy production, and addressing regional inequalities.
