Pakistan is one of the worst performers in South Asia in terms of human development indicators, struggling with high inflation and is hit by economic crises. Areas along Pakistan’s borders have become more vulnerable since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan. International relations are also a persistent issue, particularly with regard to the neighbouring countries of India and Afghanistan, with which Pakistan has unresolved border disputes. Plus, 1.4 million Afghan refugees are actually in host communities in Pakistan.
Pakistan is regularly affected by natural disasters. In 2022, Pakistan was affected by flooding, described as the worst in the country's history, impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people, especially in the Sindh and Balochistan provinces. It was also recorded as one of the costliest natural disasters in world history.
Despite the fact that Pakistan has signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, very little data is available to determine the extent of disability in Pakistan.
Number of HI staff: 50
Programme launch date: 1984
