Pakistan home to almost half of extremely poor population in Menaap region: World Bank report

The World Bank recently reported that Pakistan is home to nearly half of the extremely poor population in the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The bank projected Pakistan's economic growth at 3.8 percent for the current fiscal year, with a fiscal deficit of 3.5 percent. The region of Menaap (Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan-Pakistan) remains the only area where poverty has stayed above pre-pandemic levels and is continuing to rise.

This includes Pakistan accounting for nearly 48 percent of the region's extreme poor. The bank also estimated that GDP growth would increase from 3.2 percent in fiscal year 2025 to 3.8 percent in fiscal year 2027. However, higher commodity and transport costs are expected to put pressure on inflation and external balances. The bank's projections account for a prolonged slowdown in tourism, construction, and related services, which could reduce labor demand and weaken income flows to labor-sending economies, particularly Pakistan and parts of the Levant.