Control centre of the hydropower plant Ghazi Barotha, Pakistan

Development potential Need for reforms

So far, the record of the government under Prime Minister Imran Khan has been mixed. Numerous development indicators for Pakistan – a lower-middle-income country according to the World Bank definition – continue to be poor. Compared with its South Asian neighbours, the country is in the bottom third of the table for most indicators and is barely able to keep up with their development.

Generally speaking, Pakistan has considerable economic potential: abundant resources, low labour costs, a young population and a growing middle class.

The government's development strategy provides a clear definition of the prerequisites for sustainable development in Pakistan: social justice, the rule of law, peace and security, good governance and a national consensus on development. In order to reach its development goals, the government needs to launch fundamental reforms and, in particular, implement them systematically. For example, there is still a long way to go until the economic and social potential of women has been fully harnessed.

The global climate crisis is presenting a new challenge to Pakistan. Pakistan is one of the most affected countries and is suffering under rising temperatures, floods, declining water resources and very frequent extreme weather events.


to the overview page on Pakistan