Pakistan’s poverty rate increased to 28.9% during the latest fiscal year, while around 800,000 citizens left the country in search of employment opportunities overseas, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26.
The findings, presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in the National Assembly, highlight growing economic challenges facing households across the country. The report indicates that poverty levels increased in both urban and rural areas, affecting millions of Pakistanis amid ongoing economic pressures.
Poverty Levels Increase Across Urban and Rural Areas
According to the Economic Survey, the poverty rate in urban areas rose from 11% to 17.4%, while rural poverty increased from 28.2% to 36.2% over the reporting period.
The figures suggest a broader rise in financial hardship across different regions of the country, with rural communities continuing to experience a higher incidence of poverty than urban centers.
Overseas Migration Continues
The survey also reported that approximately 800,000 Pakistanis moved abroad during the past year, largely in pursuit of employment and better economic opportunities.
Labour migration remains an important source of foreign remittances for Pakistan, with overseas workers contributing significantly to household incomes and the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Economic Survey Highlights Key Challenges
The Economic Survey of Pakistan is released annually ahead of the federal budget and provides an overview of the country’s economic performance and social indicators.
This year’s report highlights the challenges related to poverty, employment, and income levels, offering a snapshot of the economic conditions experienced by households during the fiscal year.
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