1. Physical Connectivity
NHA connectivity roads, urban-urban roads, farm-to-market roads and border point connectivity roads.
Closing the gap for districts left behind
Pakistan has made significant strides in alleviating poverty and improving the living standards of its citizens. Over the past two decades, the number of people living in poverty has halved. Despite these advances, the number of people vulnerable to falling into poverty remains high.
The benefits of these gains have not been distributed evenly across income groups and regions, giving rise to vertical and horizontal inequality. In particular, certain regions of Pakistan appear to have been trapped in poverty for a long time.
What the scheme aims to achieve
- Socioeconomic uplift of lagging districts
- Reduce regional disparities
- Strengthen national integration and harmony
- Promote inclusive and equitable development
- Targeted investments in infrastructure and human development
How the districts were selected
The 20 districts were identified on the basis of their scores in the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
20Districts selected
11Balochistan
5Sindh
3Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
1Punjab
Five areas of intervention
The tentative menu of interventions in these 20 districts falls under five areas.
2. Power & Digital Connectivity
Internet facilities, solarisation and LPG terminals.
3. Productive Sectors & Livelihoods
Special economic zones, dairy farming, tunnel farming, agro-livestock, common border markets and industrial set-up.
4. Social Development
Scholarship schemes for students of these districts and skills development through outsourced programmes.
5. Social Protection
Enhanced BISP coverage in these districts, the Waseela-e-Taleem programme, and access to the Sehat Sahulat Card.