On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I reaffirm the Government of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to protecting the dignity of our people, reducing poverty in all its dimensions, and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to live a secure, dignified and productive life.
Poverty is not merely the absence of financial resources. It is also the absence of opportunity, access to essential services, productive livelihoods and the means to overcome adversity. Its eradication therefore demands a comprehensive and sustained national response that places people, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society, at the centre of public policy.
The Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, recognises that inclusive economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens. In line with the vision of URAAN Pakistan 2024–29, our objective is to strengthen social protection, expand economic opportunities and build the resilience of vulnerable households against economic hardship, unemployment, illness and climate-related disasters.
The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety is pursuing this commitment through its attached institutions and programmes. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) provides an essential social safety net for deserving families, while initiatives such as Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Benazir Nashonuma and the Benazir Hunarmand Programme support education, improved nutrition and skills development. These interventions reflect our belief that social protection must safeguard families today while helping create better prospects for future generations.
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal continues to play a vital role in providing assistance to vulnerable individuals and families through healthcare support, educational assistance, women’s empowerment, child welfare and other targeted interventions. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and the Trust for Voluntary Organisations (TVO) contribute to community-driven development, livelihood creation, financial inclusion and support for underserved communities.
Our approach is evolving beyond immediate relief towards sustainable poverty graduation. Through the integration of social protection with skills training, productive assets, interest-free financing, entrepreneurship and access to markets, we seek to help households progress from vulnerability towards self-reliance. Pakistan’s experience through community-based poverty graduation initiatives demonstrates the potential of this integrated approach.
The expansion of these efforts, including the Poverty Graduation Programme supported by the Islamic Development Bank, represents an important step towards extending proven interventions to more deserving households.
We must also ensure that the gains made by families are not reversed by a single economic or environmental shock. Strengthening climate resilience, investing in human capital, empowering women and young people, and fostering partnerships among federal and provincial institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector remain essential to achieving lasting results.
On this important day, I acknowledge the efforts of our institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and community representatives working to alleviate poverty across Pakistan. Most importantly, we recognise the determination, resilience and aspirations of the people and families striving to build a better future for themselves and their children.
The eradication of poverty is a shared national responsibility and a long-term commitment that requires coordinated action, effective institutions and sustained investment in human potential. Our resolve is clear: to protect those who are vulnerable, empower those who are ready to advance, and create pathways through which every Pakistani can participate in the country’s social and economic progress.
Together, let us work towards a Pakistan where opportunity is not determined by circumstance, dignity is protected, and no citizen is left behind.
Pakistan Paindabad.
