Publications

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The report evaluates the design and implementation of Punjab’s flagship social protection initiative for senior citizens. Drawing on household‑level data and programme records, the study highlights the scheme’s coverage, targeting efficiency, and fiscal sustainability. The findings provide evidence‑based insights into how the programme supports vulnerable elderly populations while identify ..

Heavy tobacco consumption in Jordan poses serious public health and economic challenges. SPDC’s report An Analysis of the Tobacco Market in Jordan: A Household Survey provides nationally representative evidence on consumption patterns, prevalence, and affordability. The study highlights widespread cigarette and waterpipe use, with particular concern for youth smoking, and offers policymakers act ..

Air pollution remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges. SPDC’s report Pakistan’s Air Pollution Conundrum: The Challenge of Inconsistent Policy Implementation highlights how weak enforcement, fragmented governance, and inconsistent data systems undermine efforts to tackle the worsening air quality crisis. The findings provide evidence‑based recommen ..

The report provides new empirical evidence on how smokers respond to price changes, offering critical insights for excise tax policy and tobacco control. It highlights both the direct impact of cigarette price increases and substitution effects across brands and product types. The findings confirm that higher cigarette prices reduce consumption, while also revealing substitution patterns between p ..

Tax evasion remains a major challenge in Pakistan’s tobacco control policies, with tobacco industry often overstating illicit trade. Drawing on a nationwide survey conducted after the February 2023 tax hike, SPDC’s report The Extent of Illicit Trade of Cigarettes in Pakistan provides fresh evidence on the scale and drivers of non‑tax‑paid cigarette consumption. The study quantifies revenue ..

The report Consumption Behaviour of Cigarette Smokers in Pakistan: The 2023 Survey presents findings from a nationwide survey of nearly 9,000 households conducted after the February 2023 tax hike. The study assesses how smokers adjusted consumption through quitting, reducing daily intake, or shifting brands. The results are compared with a similar 2021-22 survey where applicable. ..

Pakistan’s economy faces a severe crisis marked by high inflation, low growth, dwindling reserves, currency depreciation, and deep fiscal imbalances compounded by political uncertainty. Against this backdrop, the Federal Budget 2023-24 was presented. SPDC’s report Pakistan’s Economic Outlook and the Federal Budget 2023–24 analyzes macroeconomic trends and fiscal priorities, assessing impli ..

The report presents findings from a nationwide household survey of over 7,500 current and past smokers. The study examines price and non‑price drivers of cigarette use, highlighting how tax‑induced price changes influence quitting, reduced intake, and brand substitution. The report provides policymakers with actionable insights for excise reform and public health strategies to curb tobacco use ..

Tobacco taxation is a key tool to reduce consumption, yet Pakistan’s system remains undermined by inefficiencies in tax collection. The Federal Board of Revenue relies on manufacturers’ self‑declared production, leaving room for under‑reporting and tax evasion in the absence of effective audits. SPDC’s report Estimating the Under‑Reporting of Cigarette Production in Pakistan quantifies ..

The report examines how weak local governance and centralized fiscal structures have constrained urban development, particularly in Karachi. The study argues for a strengthened Provincial Finance Commission framework that integrates urban and rural indicators, alongside greater fiscal autonomy and constitutional safeguards for local governments. Its evidence‑based recommendations highlight pathw ..

The macroeconomic impacts of tobacco taxation is an under-researched subject in Pakistan. The lack of empirical evidence often leads to an inflated perception of the size and contribution of the tobacco industry to the economy. This study analyzes the macroeconomic and distributional impacts of the change in tobacco use prevalence resulting from a change in tobacco taxes in Pakistan. Using a metho ..

The 18th Constitutional Amendment 2010 devolved key powers to provincial governments, reshaping Pakistan’s education sector. Using household data from PSLM surveys, the report evaluates provincial performance across five core indicators of educational achievement. Composite indices reveal comparatively low post‑Amendment growth, particularly in Sindh. The study highlights governance and financ ..

The report explores how household expenditure on cigarettes displaces essential spending on food, health, and education. Using nationally representative survey data, the study quantifies the welfare costs of tobacco consumption and highlights its broader social and economic consequences. The findings underscore the need for stronger tobacco control policies and excise reforms to protect household ..

SPDC initiated a consultative process to address violent extremism in Sindh, recognizing the lack of localized research. SPDC’s report Interactive Dialogues on Countering Violent Extremism: The Composite Report synthesizes insights from nationwide consultations with diverse stakeholders. It highlights community perspectives, institutional challenges, and policy recommendations for addressing vio ..

This study is the first attempt to estimate how tobacco use shapes household consumption patterns in Pakistan, complementing global research on the crowding‑out effect of cigarette spending. Using data from the Pakistan Household Integrated Economic Survey 2015-16, the report shows how tobacco expenditure displaces essential spending on food, health, and education, while also affecting intra‑h ..

The report assesses the gap between actual cigarette production and reported figures to estimate the untapped revenue potential. Using survey data and industry analysis, the study highlights how under‑reporting erodes fiscal gains and weakens excise policy. Its findings support expanding the tax base, strengthening compliance, and enhancing the effectiveness of tobacco control measures. ..

Economic and Social Costs of Violence Against Women and Girls in Pakistan: Country Technical Report ..

The report provides an in‑depth examination of Pakistan’s latest population census. It highlights demographic trends, provincial variations, and urban–rural shifts, offering evidence on population growth, distribution, and structural changes. The study presents critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners to better understand Pakistan’s evolving demographi ..

Poverty and inequality are estimated from household surveys, but their sporadic nature prevents the creation of continuous time‑series data needed for rigorous analysis. To address this gap, SPDC’s report Smoothing Sporadic Estimates of Poverty and Inequality in Pakistan applies interpolation techniques to construct consistent series of poverty incidence and inequality measures for 1985–2016 ..

The report examines how Pakistan’s key export industries - garments, footwear, and electronics - align with international labour standards. Drawing on fieldwork, stakeholder interviews, and policy analysis, the study highlights compliance challenges, governance gaps, and the implications of trade preference schemes. Its findings provide evidence‑based recommendations to strengthen labour right ..

Poverty and income inequality is estimated from household surveys which provide detailed information on household income and consumption along with socio-economic characteristics. However, these surveys are conducted sporadically with irregular intervals. Thus the resultant estimates are not in the form of a continuous time-series, which is a prerequisite for a rigorous analysis of the relationshi ..

The report compares the design and outcomes of fiscal transfer systems in India and Pakistan. It examines constitutional frameworks, allocation formulas, and institutional practices to highlight similarities, differences, and lessons for reform. The study highlights how intergovernmental transfers shape equity, efficiency, and fiscal federalism, offering guidance for strengthening resource distrib ..

The report quantifies the broader costs of smoking beyond public health. Drawing on national data, the study estimates the economic burden of tobacco through healthcare expenditures, productivity losses, and premature mortality. It highlights how tobacco use erodes fiscal stability, undermines growth, and creates implicit subsidies borne by households and the public sector. ..

This study provides updated poverty and vulnerability statistics from the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2015–16. Results show that 38 percent of the population lived below the poverty line, with rural poverty deeper and more severe than urban. The number of poor rose from 61 million in 2010-11 to 74 million in 2015-16, while 51 percent of the population was vulnerable to poverty. ..

The report investigates the links between women’s empowerment and domestic violence. Using nationally representative survey data, the study examines how factors such as education, employment, decision‑making, and social norms influence the risk of spousal violence. Its findings offer insights for policymakers and practitioners to design interventions that strengthen women’s empowerment and r ..

The report evaluates household vulnerability and institutional capacity across selected districts in Pakistan, including Lower Dir, Nowshera, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sargodha. how households in Pakistan cope with economic shocks and identifies gaps in existing social protection mechanisms. By analyzing how communities cope with economic shocks and identifying gaps in social protection delivery, the st ..

SPDC’s Urban Citizens’ Perception Survey on Public Service Delivery (2015) gathered opinions from nearly 4,000 households across Pakistan on access, quality, and reliability of public services. Households were randomly selected from three tiers of local government- Municipal/Metropolitan Corporations, Municipal Committees, and Town Committees. This research, drawn from Chapter 5 of SPDC’s an ..

Political Economy of Social Development in Pakistan ..

The report analyzes the challenges and opportunities of aligning Pakistan’s development agenda with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It examines institutional readiness, resource mobilization, and policy coherence, highlighting gaps in governance and coordination. The study highlights how Pakistan can integrate SDGs into national planning, strengthen accountability, and ensure inclus ..

The report uses MICS data from Punjab and Balochistan to assess child nutrition, mortality, and schooling across poverty and gender lines. Findings show higher deprivation in poor households, mixed gender disparities in nutrition, evidence of gender bias in child mortality in Balochistan, and persistent disadvantage for rural girls in school enrollment. ..

The study analyzes determinants of child activity with regard to schooling, working, or neither schooling nor working in the age cohort 5-14 years, using Punjab’s MICS 2010–11 data. It examines the role of household poverty, parental education, gender equity, and mother’s autonomy in shaping these decisions. Results show poverty strongly increases child idleness and reduces schooling, while ..

This research assesses the distributional characteristics of growth in Pakistan by applying statistical techniques suggested in the empirical literature on poverty and income inequality. An attempt is also made to determine the relative contribution of economic growth and distribution of income to changes in poverty. Various episodes of growth are considered during the period 1988-2011. The findin ..

SPDC’s report State of the Economy: An Evaluation of the Federal Budget 2015–16 provides an independent assessment of Pakistan’s fiscal priorities and macroeconomic outlook. It reviews revenue and expenditure trends, budgetary allocations, and policy measures, highlighting their implications for growth, equity, and social development. ..

The study examines how climate risks intersect with gender inequality in communities exposed to floods, droughts, and cyclones. Covering districts such as Thatta, Badin, Dadu, and Tharparkar, the study highlights women’s heightened vulnerability due to limited access to resources, mobility constraints, and socio‑economic disadvantages. It provides evidence for designing inclusive climate adapt ..

This report presents fresh evidence on how Pakistan’s general sales tax (GST) affects households across income groups. By analyzing the distributional burden of GST, the study reveals its regressive impact showing that poorer households bear a disproportionately higher share of the tax relative to their income. The findings underscore the need for reforms that make Pakistan’s tax system more e ..

The study highlights the major characteristics of schooling in rural Pakistan by providing a situation analysis in terms of access, equality and quality of education. A cohort-wise analysis for primary (5-9 age cohort) and secondary (10-14 age cohort) levels is carried out to look at the prevailing situation across provinces in terms of enrolment status, trends in participation and gender disparit ..

The study maps the extent of rural poverty and deprivation using multiple measurement approaches, alongside indices of social exclusion. It highlights how inequality in income and land ownership shapes rural disadvantage and interacts with economic growth. The report also reviews social protection responses, offering evidence for more inclusive policies to reduce poverty and bridge rural–urban d ..

The report examines how Pakistan’s system of fiscal transfers can be leveraged to promote more equitable and gender-sensitive education financing. By analyzing provincial allocations and expenditure patterns, the study highlights gaps in resource distribution that perpetuate gender disparities in access to education. It proposes reforms to strengthen fiscal design, ensuring that intergovernmenta ..

This research note provides sub-national estimates of monetary poverty with the help of information available in two household surveys conducted during 2010-11. Data of Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey (PSLM) and Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) are combined to produce aggregate poverty measures using small area estimation technique. The technique uses the welfare ..

The report critically reviews Pakistan’s federal budget for FY2013-14, assessing its ambitious targets against prevailing economic realities. It examines revenue measures, expenditure priorities, and fiscal balance, highlighting the challenges of implementation amid structural constraints. The analysis provides insights into the budget’s implications for growth, equity, and macroeconomic stabi ..

This study explores the role of women in rural non‑farm employment, highlighting both opportunities and barriers in diversifying livelihoods beyond agriculture. Using household survey data, it examines gender disparities in access to jobs, wages, and working conditions, while assessing the contribution of non‑farm activities to rural income and resilience. ..

This study analyses disparities among provinces and districts for the years 2011, 2009 and 2005 with respect to household socio-economic deprivations and could be used as a reliable base for provincial and district development policies. Analysis presented in this study is based on 17 variables, arranged into five groups of composite indicators, reflecting deprivation in education, health, housing ..

This study moves beyond income-based measures to quantify multidimensional poverty in Pakistan using household survey data. Applying the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke indices across education, health, housing, and asset deprivation, it tracks poverty levels for 2005, 2009, and 2011 to assess changes over time. The analysis reveals persistent deprivation despite economic shifts, offering evidence for ..

This research paper provides poverty statistics estimated from the latest available household survey data. The estimates show that an overall 38 percent of the population was poor according to the methodology adopted for this study during the year 2010-11. The incidence, depth and severity of rural poverty are relatively higher as compared to urban areas. The estimates also indicate an increase of ..

The report quantifies the economic and social burden of violence against women in Karachi, highlighting its impact on household welfare, productivity, and public resources. Drawing on survey evidence, the report examines the hidden costs of gender-based violence, from healthcare and legal expenses to lost income and diminished opportunities. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy inter ..

This study examines how large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Lyari Expressway, affect displaced communities with a particular focus on gender. It highlights the social and economic challenges faced by women during resettlement, including loss of livelihoods, disruption of social networks, and limited access to services. The findings highlight the importance of integrating gender-sensit ..

This working paper critically examines the role of civil society in Pakistan, assessing its capacity to influence governance, social development, and democratic accountability. It explores the challenges of institutional weakness, limited outreach, and political constraints that have hindered civil society’s effectiveness. The report provides insights into how civil society organizations can str ..

This SPDC study reviews Pakistan’s fragmented social protection landscape, where programs often emerge as ad hoc responses or donor-driven initiatives without a coherent national framework. Drawing on recent empirical research, it outlines existing schemes, identifies duplication and gaps, and assesses their effectiveness in reaching vulnerable groups. The report offers evidence-based recommenda ..

The study analyzes how government spending on education and health is distributed across gender, highlighting disparities in access and outcomes. Using dynamic assessment methods, the report tracks shifts in resource allocation and evaluates whether public investments are responsive to gender needs. ..

This report explores how trade liberalisation has reshaped employment patterns in Pakistan, with a particular focus on gender. It examines sectoral shifts, wage disparities, and labour market participation, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for women. The study provides evidence-based insights for designing trade and labour policies that promote inclusive growth and reduce gender ineq ..

This SPDC study investigates how Pakistan’s Zakat program affects men and women differently, highlighting gender disparities in access, coverage, and benefits. By analyzing household survey data, the report assesses whether social safety nets adequately address women’s vulnerabilities and contribute to poverty reduction. ..

This study is the first attempt to quantify the extent of multidimensional poverty in the context of Pakistan. It involves developing multidimensional poverty indices (headcount, poverty gap, and poverty severity) and comparing them with the traditional income approach. It has been estimated, using household data for 2004-05, that about 54 percent of the population is poor in terms of socio-econom ..

This paper estimates household vulnerability as “expected poverty” using cross‑sectional survey data, given the absence of long‑term panel datasets. Results show that about 52 percent of the population was vulnerable in 2004-05, with rural households facing higher risk than urban. While monetary poverty declined between 2001 and 2005, vulnerability rose from 50 to 52 percent, underscoring ..

This SPDC study captures the perspectives of district officials and Nazims on Pakistan’s local governance system. Through semi‑structured interviews, it explores satisfaction with the system, coordination across government tiers, financing challenges, development planning issues, and the role of community empowerment institutions. The findings highlight both areas of strength and sources of fr ..

This paper uses Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement Survey (PSLM) 2004-2005 to examine labour market earnings. The earning function controls for educational qualifications in addition to years of schooling and other conventional correlates. The estimated returns to additional years of schooling are slightly lower than previous estimates for Pakistan. The findings of the study are consi ..

The report analyzes Pakistan’s fiscal policy stance in the 2008‑09 budget, focusing on revenue mobilization, expenditure priorities, and deficit management. It highlights the challenges of balancing growth and stability amid rising inflation, energy shortages, and external pressures. The report provides evidence‑based insights into the trade‑offs faced by policymakers and the implications ..

The study evaluates the economic and social effects of microfinance programs, analyzing income, expenditure, child education, and women’s empowerment outcomes. Based on survey data from 3,400 respondents across six major institutions, the findings suggest microfinance helps smooth consumption and modestly supports income generation. Positive impacts are observed in child school enrollment among ..

This research focuses on changes in the poverty status of rural households to explore the main determinants of upward and downward income and poverty mobility. The study uses panel survey data for District Badin, which is among the poorest districts of the Sindh province. Households interviewed earlier by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) during 1986-91, were surveyed again ..

In this study, SPDC provides updated poverty and inequality estimates for 2004–05 using unit‑level household survey data and a consistent methodology for national and regional poverty lines. It highlights shifts in poverty incidence, regional disparities, and changes in income distribution, offering a clearer picture of socio‑economic conditions. ..

The expansionary economic policies of the government and of the central bank (State Bank of Pakistan – SBP), which on one side resulted in impressive economic performance, stimulated a rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on the other. This initiated a debate on the determinants of the recent inflation. Some blamed fiscal policy or monetary policy, while others blamed imported inflation, admin ..

This study examines how trade liberalisation has influenced gender disparities in Pakistan across labour markets, education, and health from 1973 to 2005. Using econometric analysis, it identifies key determinants such as trade openness, per capita GDP, and the ratio of girls’ to boys’ schools. The findings highlight persistent inequalities, particularly in employment and education, underscori ..

The report provides district‑level poverty estimates for Pakistan by combining PSLM and HIES 2004–05 data and applying small area estimation methods. Separate consumption functions for urban and rural areas are used to predict poverty incidence across provinces and districts. The results offer a granular view of regional disparities often hidden in national averages, providing policymakers wit ..

This study tracks changes in access and inequality in education using the District Education Index (DEI), a composite measure of enrollment and literacy. Drawing on the 1998 Population Census and PSLM 2005 survey of 76,500 households, the analysis shows notable progress in enrollment and literacy rates, with the DEI recording an average annual growth of about 5 percent. The findings highlight impr ..

The objective of this research is to update district-wise Indices of Multiple Deprivations 1998, using the latest available data of the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey 2005 (PSLM, 2005). The period from 1998 to 2005, offers an opportunity to evaluate performance of the present government in terms of policies adopted for poverty reduction and in bringing down regional, socia ..

The purpose of this research is to highlight changes in human development status of districts of Pakistan during the period between 1998 and 2005. The standard summary measure, Human Development Index (HDI) proposed by UNDP, is applied at the district level. District HDIs, estimated for both periods will provide an indication of existing trends in regional disparities in terms of economic developm ..

Booklet, economics, tariffs and import, quotas ..

The Review represents the efforts of SPDC to objectively present the situation with respect to the state of the economy. It points out the improvements in economic performance and an increase in the economy's sustainable rate of growth over the past few years, which are in part a result of the improved macroeconomic policy environment. It also highlights, however, the growing macroeconomic imbalan ..

The study estimates the size of Pakistan’s black economy and examines its implications for macroeconomic policy. Using a modified monetary approach, it assesses how tax and tariff reforms - particularly those of the 1990s - have influenced unrecorded economic activity and tax evasion practices. The findings highlight the distortions the black economy creates in official statistics and underscore ..

The research examines how fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms have shaped total factor productivity (TFP) in Pakistan. Using recent data, it analyzes sector‑wise productivity trends in the context of wide‑ranging reforms since 1999-2000, including changes in exchange rates, interest rates, and fiscal policy. The findings highlight the drivers and constraints of productivity growth, offeri ..

This report is motivated to fill the gap in policy analysis by estimating the human capital index (HCI) at the provincial level from 1982-83 to 2001-02. The accumulated human capital is estimated using the Labourincome based methodology. The index is computed for the three sectors of the economy: Agriculture, Manufacturing and Services, by using data from respective Labour Force Surveys. The estim ..

This study examines the profound social and economic challenges faced by cancer patients and their families. Drawing on survey evidence, it highlights the heavy financial costs of treatment, the strain on household resources, and the broader social impacts of coping with long‑term illness. The findings underscore the urgent need for policies that improve access to affordable care, strengthen sup ..

The Annual Review presents an objective assessment of Pakistan’s economic performance. It highlights impressive growth achievements and the government’s role in driving expansion, while warning of emerging signs of overheating such as rising inflation, widening deficits, and external pressures. The study underscores the trade‑offs between sustaining growth and ensuring stability. ..

This study uses large‑scale simulations to quantify the economic losses from the October 8, 2005 earthquake. The analysis shows that growth could initially decline by 1.5 percentage points, with permanent losses in capital, consumption, and income if reconstruction is absent. Under a $5.8 billion rebuilding plan spread over five years, the economy recovers only partially, regaining about half th ..

The study develops a consistent framework for compiling provincial accounts in Pakistan, covering the period 1973-2000. Using national income data and sectoral indicators, it estimates provincial GDP and growth trends, providing insights into regional disparities and structural changes over nearly three decades. The methodology ensures comparability across provinces and over time, offering policym ..

Vertical Imbalance and NFC-2004 ..

The Annual Review offers an objective assessment of Pakistan’s economic performance, acknowledging recent gains while identifying areas of weakness that demand policy attention. It highlights improved macroeconomic indicators and stronger investment flows, but also warns of inflationary pressures and external imbalances. In line with SPDC’s perspective, the study emphasizes equity, employment ..

The study explores the complex linkages between poverty, economic growth, and inequality from 1979 to 2002. Using time‑series data and a multi‑variate regression framework, it estimates poverty elasticity with respect to growth and inequality, and identifies macroeconomic and structural correlates of inequality. The findings confirm that inequality strongly influences poverty reduction, with i ..

The research identifies non‑monetary correlates of household consumption to predict poverty incidence using survey data. Separate welfare functions for urban and rural areas are applied to provincial and district levels, enabling poverty estimation through light monitoring tools such as the CWIQ. The results show that 33 percent of the population was poor in 2001-02, with rural areas facing high ..

This working paper traces the evolution of Pakistan’s nonprofit sector, examining its historical roots, institutional development, and role in social service delivery. It highlights the sector’s growth in response to gaps in public provision, its diverse organizational forms, and the challenges of regulation and sustainability. By situating nonprofits within Pakistan’s broader socio‑econom ..

The report examines the scale and dynamics of Pakistan’s external debt, analyzing its underlying causes, structural complexities, and long‑term implications for economic stability. It highlights how persistent borrowing, balance of payments pressures, and policy choices have contributed to rising debt vulnerabilities. The study also explores potential remedies, including fiscal discipline, exp ..

In a knowledge‑driven economy, unequal access to education fuels poverty and inequality. SPDC’s study introduces a District Education Index (DEI) to measure disparities across Pakistan, linking education outcomes with district‑level economic development. The findings show how exclusion from education slows growth and entrenches inequality, underscoring the need for equitable investment in le ..

Growing concern in developing economies highlights how spatial and regional disparities in income, activity, and social indicators can fuel instability. This SPDC study documents shifts in regional inequality in Pakistan from the early 1980s to the late 1990s, analyzing provincial and district‑level development trends. By mapping changes across multiple dimensions, the report provides evidence t ..

This study explores the role of microfinance in reducing poverty in Pakistan, assessing its impact on household welfare and economic empowerment. Access to small loans can transform lives by enabling the poor to invest in livelihoods, education, and health. By highlighting both opportunities and challenges, the report provides evidence to strengthen microfinance as a tool for inclusive development ..

The purpose of this research is to observe the impact of the individual and aggregate-level education on the fertility rate. The empirical investigation has been extended to observe the determinants of fertility using aggregate district data. The estimated coefficients of the macro fertility model establish a case for higher education for women to achieve a noticeable reduction in the fertility ra ..

This report estimates the economic benefits of education in Pakistan using household survey data from 1990-91 and 2001-02. Results show that returns are highest for higher secondary and tertiary education, while gains from primary schooling have declined. Private schooling and English‑medium instruction also yield significant advantages. By mapping variations across provinces, sectors, and regio ..

This paper estimates the extent of undernutrition in urban Pakistan in terms of calorie consumption after controlling heterogeneity in household characteristics. It also evaluates the sensitivity of price and income shocks on incidence, depth and severity of undernutrition. Approximately 27 percent incidence of urban undernourishment or food poverty is computed from the Household Integrated Econom ..

Geographical targeting can make poverty alleviation more effective by directing resources to the areas most in need. Yet Pakistan has lacked systematic poverty maps or deprivation indices, leaving interventions ad‑hoc and fragmented. This study develops a Spatial Deprivation Index (SDI) using census data to identify pockets of multi‑dimensional poverty across districts. By documenting these pa ..

Zakat has long been viewed as a tool for poverty alleviation and social justice. This report examines the impact of the Zakat program, assessing its effectiveness in reaching the poor and reducing vulnerability. By analyzing distribution mechanisms and outcomes, the report highlights both the strengths and limitations of Zakat as a social safety net, offering insights for more equitable and effici ..

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate how ‘landlordism’ (land concentration and landlessness) impede education attainments and consequently, increase poverty and income inequality. The study is based on the latest data of the Agricultural Census (2000) for Punjab1 province, which is the heartland of Pakistan’s agriculture. School Life Expectancy (SLE), which is a useful composite me ..

This study investigates the dynamics of poverty and inequality during Pakistan’s first decade (1988-1999) of Structural Adjustment Lending (SAL). Using comparable household surveys, it finds poverty incidence rose from 24% to 30% and the Gini coefficient from 0.34 to 0.38. Decomposition analysis shows that weak economic growth, especially in rural areas, was the main driver of rising poverty, hi ..

The objectives of this study are to: document the size, scope, internal structure, finance and legal position of the nonprofit sector in the country; examine the relations between the nonprofit sector and government and identify the ways in which this relationship can be improved; to improve public awareness of this sector; and provide a more reliable basis for designing policies toward it. The es ..

Public budgets often obscure how resources are actually allocated across departments. This study restructures Sindh’s budget data from the traditional head‑of‑account format into a department‑wise framework, making expenditures more transparent and policy‑relevant. By aligning spending with departmental responsibilities, the report enables clearer analysis of priorities, accountability, ..

Cost of Living Index by City of Pakistan ..

This study tracks TFP trends in Pakistan from 1972-73 to 1997-98, showing that the slowdown in growth during the 1990s was driven not only by weaker investment but also by declining productivity. Sectoral analysis explores where stagnation occurred and identifies structural factors behind the loss of momentum. The findings highlight the implications for long‑term growth and competitiveness, unde ..

The nonprofit sector plays a vital role in advancing social development, yet its scale and diversity in Pakistan remain under‑documented. This SPDC study provides a comprehensive profile of nonprofit organizations, mapping their size, scope, and contributions across key areas such as education, health, and community welfare. By highlighting trends and challenges, the report offers evidence to st ..

The report examines the relationship between social development and economic growth in Pakistan, testing whether improvements in education, health, and welfare indicators can be explained by changes in per capita income. Using a composite Social Development Index (SDI) built from consistent time‑series data, the analysis highlights how policy regimes have shaped outcomes. The findings provide in ..

Microcredit has been promoted as a pathway out of poverty, but its real impact depends on the experiences of borrowers themselves. SPDC’s study draws on consultations with poor households in Pakistan, exploring how access to credit shapes livelihoods, coping strategies, and empowerment. By highlighting both opportunities and constraints, the report provides evidence to refine microfinance progra ..

The study uses household income and expenditure surveys to measure poverty incidence across Pakistan, highlighting variations by region and over time. The findings reveal how economic shocks and structural factors shape household welfare, offering evidence to guide targeted interventions and strategies for reducing poverty. ..

The report analyzes the Federal Budget 2001–02, assessing how stabilization measures such as deficit control and revenue mobilization interact with growth objectives. By examining expenditure priorities and macroeconomic trade‑offs, the report provides evidence to inform policies that safeguard stability while fostering sustainable development.   ..

The spillover effects of the Afghan conflict have reshaped Pakistan’s economic landscape, creating both challenges and policy dilemmas. SPDC’s study assesses the economic impact of the Afghan war, examining pressures on trade, fiscal stability, and social welfare. By outlining strategic options, the report provides evidence to help policymakers balance security concerns with sustainable growth ..

Strong governance is central to achieving sustainable growth and equitable development. The report outlines the core elements of economic governance - including transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline, and institutional capacity - that shape policy effectiveness in Pakistan. ..

Developed by the Macroeconomic Framework Sub‑Group of the Economic Advisory Board, this SPDC study revises projections in light of updated data and institutional feedback. It presents a medium‑term roadmap for Pakistan’s economy, outlining key indicators to guide fiscal, monetary, and external sector policies. By modeling scenarios for growth, investment, and resource mobilization, the repor ..

Social safety nets are critical for protecting vulnerable households, yet their effectiveness depends on design and delivery. This study evaluates Pakistan’s key safety net programs, assessing coverage, targeting, and impact on poverty reduction. By identifying strengths and gaps, the report provides evidence to improve welfare policies and ensure that support reaches those who need it most. ..

The report examines how macroeconomic shifts shaped poverty trends in Pakistan, explaining the sharp decline in the 1980s and the significant rise in the 1990s. It develops medium‑term projections under a “business as usual” scenario, assessing likely poverty outcomes. The analysis also considers the impact of balance of payments adjustments and fiscal stimulus measures, highlighting which m ..

This study provides guidelines for developing PPP case studies in health and illustrates them through a partnership between a private medical college and a public hospital in Abbottabad. The case highlights how synergy, strong leadership, shared objectives, governance reforms, legal safeguards, and external support can foster successful collaboration. By analyzing opportunities and challenges, the ..

The Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) has a tradition of bringing out a Research Report every year containing analysis of the proposals for expenditure and taxation in the Federal Budget from the viewpoint of their impact on the economy and people of Pakistan. This year’s report contains 24 articles on various aspects of the Budget of 2000- 01, written by staff members of SPDC. We hope ..

Alternative Delivery Mechanisms for Social Services: Some Case Studies from Pakistan ..

SPDC’s study provides an independent assessment of the federal budget 1999-2000, examining revenue measures, expenditure priorities, and their implications for growth and equity. By highlighting trade‑offs and policy gaps, the report offers evidence to strengthen fiscal management and guide future reforms.   ..

Reliable demographic data is vital for planning and policy. This study reviews Pakistan’s 1998 Population Census, analyzing its findings, methodology, and implications for resource distribution and development. The report provides evidence to inform debates on census quality and its role in shaping economic and social policy. ..

The report provides an independent review of the 1999-2000 provincial budgets, examining revenue mobilization, expenditure priorities, and intergovernmental transfers. By highlighting key trends and policy implications, the report offers evidence to strengthen provincial fiscal management and improve resource allocation. ..

This study provides additional evidence on poverty trends, using econometric modeling to explain shifts in incidence and distribution across time. By refining projections and testing alternative scenarios, the report offers insights into the drivers of poverty reduction and persistence, supporting more effective policy design. ..

This study evaluates the impact of adjustment policies on Pakistan’s social development, focusing on poverty, education, health, and welfare outcomes. By analyzing trade‑offs between stabilization and human development, the report provides evidence to guide policies that protect vulnerable groups while sustaining economic reform. ..

Economic downturns affect not just fiscal stability, but they also reshape livelihoods and social welfare. This research examines the social consequences of Pakistan’s economic crisis, analyzing its effects on poverty, employment, and human development. ..

Gender Inequality in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Pakistan ..

The report has used 37 indicators relating to the education, health, water supply income and wealth, agriculture, housing transportation and labour force sectors to rank districts of Pakistan in terms of the level of social and economic development. The paper demonstrates the importance of education indicators in determining the overall level of social development, especially in terms of female li ..

The research has identified the changes made by SKAA in its lease granting and development procedures. This has consisted primarily of decentralisation of the process of decision making, whereby the authority of granting leases which was originally centralised at the top in the Director General himself is now available with the officer in charge of the lease camp. In addition to this, the procedur ..

This report compiles a dozen essays relating to the state of the economy, budgetary trends, accuracy of budgetary proposals, evaluation of the taxation proposals, development priorities and the macro economic impact of the budget on growth, inflation, savings and investments, external sector, poverty and inter-governmental fiscal relations. Special effort has been made to highlight the impact of t ..

The objective of this report is to describe the process of fiscal decentralization in a number of Asian countries. It covers areas of expenditure and service responsibility allocations, tax assignments, transfers to and access to borrowings by subnational governments. Best practices observed in these countries are highlighted alongwith any practices to avoid. The paper draws lessons regarding the ..

This report is a compilation of these articles. We hope that our analyses will represent an objective appraisal of the economy and the Budget of 1997-98 and will be of some use to readers. Social Policy and Development Centre, which focuses on policy analysis, in particular social sector policy, has analysed the budget. These analysis cover a wide spectrum of issues and impacts. Debt management, ..

This report is a compilation of articles produced after the announcement of the provincial budgets. We hope that our analyses will represent an objective appraisal of the state of affairs and will be of some use to the readers. ..

Review of the Social Action Program ..

SPDC has prepared this report in the context of the recently constituted National Finance Commission on federal revenue sharing transfers to the provincial governments. Provincial governments in Pakistan have the principal responsibility for delivery of social services like education, health, water supply and sanitation, etc. which are largely financed by fiscal transfers from the federal governme ..

This report attempts to measure and explain these differentials between 1972 and 1993. It examines the relationship between rates of continuation class-wise for males and females and five factors: school availability, teacher availability, rate of urbanisation, per capita income and female literacy. School and teacher availability are found to be the strongest factors influencing continuation acro ..

The objectives of this report are two fold: first, determine the extent of variation among districts in the level of social development and second to examine in the spatial context for Pakistan how strong the relationship is between levels of economic and social development and what explains regional differences in the level of social development. The former will help us in particular in identifyi ..

The World Summit for Social Development: Its Implications for Social Sector Development in Pakistan ..

Resource Mobilisation and Expenditure Planning for Social Sectors in Pakistan ..

Budget in Pakistan, constitutes a statement of government’s fiscal priorities and policy objectives for the forthcoming year. At times major policy changes are announced which include changes in tariff rates, taxes, incentives etc., that have subsequent impacts on various segments in the economy. Therefore, it generally generates a lot of debate, both within and outside the Assembly. Also, the b ..

This report analyses the factors contributing to the growth of public debt and debt servicing in Pakistan, with the special focus on the impact of the financial sector reforms pursued in recent years, which have tended to increase the cost of domestic borrowings. The study presents a policy package for containing the growth of public debt and reducing the burden of debt servicing in coming years. ..

Integrated Social Policy and Macro Economic Planning Model for Pakistan ..

Data Base Development for Integrated Social Sector Revenue and Expenditure Model ..

Optimal Enrollment and Cost Effective Expenditures for Public School System ..

Specification of Integrated Social Sector Revenue and Expenditure Planning Model ..

A Study on Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Spending in the Social Sectors and Increasing Resource Mobilisation in the Provinces (5 volumes) ..

Fiscal Policy in Pakistan ..

This paper underscores the importance of updating the baseline data underpinning Pakistan’s 7th NFC Award, which currently relies on outdated census figures and administrative boundaries. To more accurately reflect recent demographic and fiscal developments, it recommends a technical recalibration using updated indicators while maintaining the existing formula. As deliberations for the 11th NFC ..

PAKISTAN - TOBACCO FACT SHEET 2006 Advancing Public Health and Strengthening Fiscal Stability: Cigarette Tax Proposal for 2026-27 ..

Illicit cigarette trade undermines both fiscal revenues and public health objectives. This study provides the first systematic estimate of revenue losses attributable to tax evasion and smuggling, revealing how weak enforcement and market distortions drain government resources. It calls for evidence-based reforms to strengthen excise administration, close loopholes, and counter industry narratives ..

Official estimates based on the HIES 2024-25 place Pakistan’s poverty incidence at 28.9%. In contrast, SPDC’s analysis reveals a far higher rate of 43.5%, driven by methodological refinements and highlighting a disproportionate rise in urban poverty. This policy brief summarizes the findings from SPDC’s report entitled Empirical Evidence of Upsurge in the Poverty Numbers: Pakistan, 2025 Scen ..

Pakistan faces an ongoing debate regarding the illicit tobacco trade. Tobacco industry leaders assert that high taxes promote illegal trade because of insufficient tax enforcement. This argument has persistently been used to make a case for reducing the excise tax rate on cigarettes. This controversy has intensified during the last few months, after a retailers’ survey report1 was launched in Fe ..

Higher Taxes Needed to Make Cigarettes Less Affordable and Increase Revenue ..

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global agenda adopted by countries of the world in 2015 to address key development challenges and achieve sustainable development by 2030. Although progress varies significantly across countries and regions, the 2024 assessment suggests that the world is significantly off-track in achieving the 2030 Agenda. Out of 135 targets, only 17 percent ar ..

The illicit tobacco trade is a contentious issue in Pakistan, with the government concerned about lost revenue due to tax evasion and the industry arguing that high taxes lead to increased illicit due to lax tax administration. This debate has recently intensified, with the industry propagating that the tax hike in February 2023 has significantly fueled illicit trade. ..

Even though the Government of Pakistan was under tremendous pressure to increase taxes in various sectors to generate additional revenue for financing the fiscal deficit in the fiscal year 2024-25, it surprisingly spared the cigarette industry from any tax hike. The Finance Act 2024 passed by the National Assembly on June 28, 2024 remained silent on enhancing the rate of Federal Excise Duty (FED) ..

In response to public health concerns surrounding high smoking prevalence, the Pakistani government enacted a substantial increase in the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes during the fiscal year 2022-23. This policy intervention, with the most notable rise of around 150 percent occurring in February 2023, resulted in a corresponding increase in cigarette prices. ..

The federal budget for fiscal year 2024-25 has been presented against the backdrop of a moderately improved macroeconomic environment compared to the previous fiscal year and a colossal fiscal challenge ahead. ..

Recovering Healthcare Costs and Saving Lives: An Urgent Call for a Tobacco Tax Increase in the Budget 2024-25 ..

Pakistan's economy is confronted with a severe economic crisis, which is characterized by high levels of inflation, low economic activity, low foreign reserves, a depreciating currency, and enormous public finance imbalances. The prevailing political uncertainty is further contributing to the problem. The Federal Budget 2023-24 was presented against this challenging macroeconomic backdrop and a co ..

During the current fiscal year, the government has demonstrated its commitment to curbing cigarette consumption in Pakistan by increasing rates of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes. ..

The current fiscal year has been unusual for cigarette tax policy in Pakistan. The government took commendable measures of substantially increasing the rates of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes, which was unprecedented in two aspects. First, the tax changes were made three times during the ongoing fiscal year. Second, the last rise was around 150 per cent, the largest one-time increase in e ..

This policy brief summarizes the results of a nationally representative survey of more than 7,500 current and past smokers. The research objective was to study smokers' consumption behaviour in response to tax-induced price changes. ..

Following the tax measures introduced in the Finance Act 2022 on June 30, 2022, the Government of Pakistan promulgated Tax Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 on August 23, 2022, to generate additional revenue from various sectors of the economy, including the tobacco sector. Under the Finance Act 2022, the average rate of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes was increased by 12.5 percent, which was ..

Under the Finance Act 2022, passed on June 30, 2022, in the National Assembly of Pakistan, the government revised the Federal Excise Duty (FED) rates on domestically-produced cigarettes. Keeping the two-tier system intact, the FED rates increased by 13.5 percent and 12.1 percent for high-priced and low-priced brands, respectively. The weighted average increase in FED rate is estimated to be 12.5 p ..

Tobacco use continues to remain a major public health problem in Pakistan. The number of adults (age 15+) currently using tobacco in any form is estimated to be 31 million,1 accounting for nearly one-fifth of the adult (age 15+) population. Worldwide, tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable deaths by non-communicable diseases, including cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and cardiovascula ..

Under the Finance Bill 2022, presented on June 10, 2022, in the National Assembly of Pakistan, the government proposed to revise the Federal Excise Duty (FED) rates on domestically-produced cigarettes. Keeping the two-tier system intact, the FED rates increased by 7.7 percent and 12.1 percent for high-priced and low-priced brands, respectively. This is a long-waited increase since the rates were l ..

In Pakistan, domestically produced cigarettes are subject to two major indirect taxes – the Federal Excise Duty (FED) and the General Sales Tax (GST). The FED accounts for almost 80% of the revenue from the sector. Both taxes are collected at the production stage. The cigarette manufacturing sector in Pakistan is an example of an imperfect market, with only three companies dominating domestic pr ..

Raising Tobacco Tax Rates to Promote Public Health and Increase Revenue: Policy Options for Budget 2022-23 ..

The prevalence of tobacco use continues to remain one of the critical development challenges in Pakistan as about 30 million adults—19.1 percent of the adult population—currently use tobacco in any form. Tobacco use is estimated to be associated with premature deaths of over 160,000 people in Pakistan in 2017.2 Cigarette taxation is an essential element of tobacco control policy in the country ..

Pakistan is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which requires the country to implement taxation and pricing policies on tobacco products to reduce their consumption. Effective tobacco taxation is considered the most effective means of reducing tobacco consumption and generating revenues for public health promotion. However, tobacco tax policies in Pakistan have ..

Pakistan is a high tobacco-burden country where more than 29 million adults currently use tobacco in any form. Estimates based on Pakistan’s Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2018–19 indicate that tobacco is consumed in more than 45% of the households in the country — the ratio is 49% and 38% in poor and rich households, respectively. ..

Global evidence has established that tobacco use is a leading cause of deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.1 Pakistan is not an exception to this situation: it has a high burden of tobacco use with resulting high costs from tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. With a prevalence rate of 19.1 percent, about ..

Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) is undertaking a series of informed and interactive dialogues, on various topics covering a range of the drivers of violent extremism (VE) in Pakistan. The aim of the project is to increase understanding of violent extremism related issues among government representatives and different stakeholders, besides increasing the capacity of civil society to org ..

Increasing the price of tobacco products through higher taxation is widely acknowledged as the most effective way to reduce tobacco consumption. Although evidence shows that tobacco taxation does not have a significant impact on the illicit trade of cigarettes1, a common argument of the cigarette industry in Pakistan is that higher taxes drive illicit trade. The industry claims that smokers seek o ..

..

Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) is undertaking a series of informed and interactive dialogues, on various topics covering a range of the drivers of violent extremism (VE) in Pakistan. The aim of the project is to increase understanding of violent extremism related issues among government representatives and different stakeholders, besides increasing the capacity of civil society to org ..

Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC) is undertaking a series of informed and interactive dialogues, on various topics covering a range of the drivers of violent extremism (VE) in Pakistan. The aim of the project is to increase understanding of violent extremism related issues among government representatives and different stakeholders, besides increasing the capacity of civil society to org ..

Tobacco taxation is widely acknowledged as a robust policy instrument to scale back tobacco consumption. Effective and optimal tobacco taxation can serve the dual objective of public health promotion and revenue generation. The effectiveness of this tool, however, depends heavily on the mechanisms of tax collection. Read more... ..

Pakistan has a chequered history in terms of taxation on cigarettes. The Federal Excise Duty (FED) is the major tax levied on cigarettes in the country and its structure is based on a price-tier system. In 2013, a two-tier structure of FED based on the range of retail prices was introduced. In 2017, FED structure was modified to a three-tier structure, with a new tier for the low-price brands, in ..

Role of Tobacco in Pakistan's Economy: An untold Reality ..

A Reflection on the State of Economy and Federal Budget 2018-19 ..

Agenda for Devolved Tax Collection ..

Fiscal Implications of 7th NFC Award ..

Empowering Local Government – The Road to Inclusive and Sustainable Development ..

Tobacco Control in Pakistan: The Impact of Tax Reduction Policy ..

A Reflection on the State of Economy and Federal Budget 2017-18 ..

Key Issues in the State of Economy ..

Agenda for the 8th NFC: Lessons from the 7th NFC Award, Post- 7th NFC Development and Emerging Issues ..

The Privatization Program ..

Women at Work ..

Social Impact of the Security Crisis ..

The Elimination of Textile Quotas and Pakistan-EU Trade, Policy Brief, April 2007 ..

The report is an effort to objectively present the situation with respect to the state of the economy. It acknowledges the gains made over the year, but cautions against certain misleading and, consequently, overly optimistic judgements. It identifies the areas where weaknesses are pronounced and where policy shifts are called for in order for the process of economic revival to be generated and su ..

On the Estimation of An Absolute Poverty Line: An Empirical Appraisal ..

A National Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Role of Donors ..

Macroeconomic Framework for Debt Management ..

Revamping the SAP ..

Statement to the Commonwealth Delegation ..

Unsustainability of the Balance of Payments ..

Broad-Basing of GST: The Strategy for Transition ..

Provincial Resource Mobilisation ..

Financial Sustainability of NGOs: Proposal for 1998-99 Federal Budget ..

Political Economy of Tax Reforms: The Pakistan Experience ..

Ninth Five Year Plan (1998-2003): Issues Paper ..

Implication of the TOR of the New NFC ..

Provincial Budgets of 1995-96 ..

Fiscal Effort by Provincial Governments in Pakistan ..

Switchover to Ad Valorem Octroi Rates at Dry Ports ..

Rationalisation of Octroi Rates ..

User Charges in Health ..

Sindh Government Budget of 1993-94 ..

User Charges in Education ..

Sales Taxation of Services by Provincial Governments ..

Rationalisation of Stamp Duties on Financial Assets and Transactions ..

Pakistan has a large population of tobacco users, with about 24 million adults consuming tobacco products in one form or another. There is a dearth of research on the impact of a reduction in tobacco use on Pakistan’s economy which can inform policy-makers on the extent that tobacco control measures would affect macroeconomic indicators such as output and employment. Objectives The objective ..

Pinning down social vulnerability in Sindh Province ..

Climate Change and Drought: Impact of Food Insecurity on Gender Based Vulnerability in District Tharparkar ..

Human Capital and Economic Growth: The Role of Governance ..

Gender Inequality in Labour Force Participation: An Empirical Investigation ..

Simulating the Impact of Income Distribution on Poverty Reduction ..

An Empirical Analysis of Meat Demand: A Case Study of Pakistan ..

Financial Implications of 7th NFC Award and the Impact on Social Services. ..

Decentralisation of GST Services and Vertical Imbalances in Pakistan. ..

Is Devaluation Contractionary? Empirical Evidence for Pakistan. ..

Assessing Poverty with Non-Income Deprivation Indicators: Pakistan, 2008-09 ..

Savings-Investment Correlation and Capital Outflow: The Case of Pakistan ..

Macroeconomic Environment and Financial Sector’s Performance: Econometric Evidence from three Traditional Approaches.  ..

G-20 and Development: A View from Pakistan ..

The Impact of Trade and Financial-Openness on Government Size: A Case Study of Pakistan ..

Urbanization and Poverty Reduction: A Case Study of Pakistan - ..

Neo-Liberal Governance and Poverty in Pakistan ..

Role of Women in Peace and Conflict: Suffering of Afghan Women ..

Determinants of Workers’ Remittances: Implications for Poor People of Pakistan ..

Is There any Causality between Human Resource Development and Economic Growth? A Provincial Case Study on Pakistan - 2009 ..

Capitalizing the Demograhic Dividend  ..

Challenges and Responses for Democracy and Security: Pakistan’s Perspective ..

Finance-Openness Nexus and Financial Institutions: A Case of Pakistan ..

The Changing Security Spectrum of South Asia: Consequences for SAARC ..

Nominal and Real Devaluation Nexus & Two Econometric Approaches for Pakistan ..

Stock Market Development and Economic Growth: ARDL Causality in Pakistan  ..

Does Foreign Remittances Reduce Government Spending? Long and Short Run Phenomenon ..

Estimating the Black Economy through a Monetary Appraoch: A Case Study of Pakistan  ..

Does Globalization Benefit the Poor? Evidence from Pakistan  ..

Macroeconomic Determinants of Poor's Happiness: A Case Study of Pakistan ..

Either Captial Account Opennes Regressive or Progressive: Economietric Evidence from Pakistan ..

Bi-Directional causality Between FDI & Savings: A Case Study of Pakistan ..

SAARC Prospects and Challenges ..

Direct Foreign Investment and Income Distribution: A Case Study for Pakistan ..

Mapping the Terrain: The Activities of Faith-based Organizations in Development in Pakistan ..

Ideological Divide of theNonprofit Sector in Pakistan ..

Long-Run and Short-Run Linkage between Financial Development and Poverty Reducation in Pakistan ..

Stock Returns and Inflation: An ARDL Econometric Investigation Utilizing Pakistani Data ..

The Changing Security Spectrum and Issues of Cultural Identitity ..

Une Question de Perception ..

Remittances and Financial Sector's Performance: Under Two Alternative Approaches for Pakistan ..

An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship between Trade Liberalization and Poverty Reduction: A Case for Pakistan ..

Trade and Inequality Nexus in Pakistan: Under Investigation of Alternative Techniques ..

Dynamism in the Gender Wage Gap: Evidence from Pakistan ..

Rural-Urban Income Inequality under Financial Development and Trade Openness in Pakistan: The Econometric Evidence ..

Exports, Productivity and Economic Growth in Pakistan: A Time Series Analysis ..

Does Inequality Matter for Poverty Reducation? Evidence from Pakistan's Poverty Trends ..

Determinants of Health Care Expenditure in Pakistan ..

Is Search of Poverty Predictors: The Case of Urban and Rural Pakistan ..

Short-Run Effects of Exchange Rate Volatility on the Volume of Exports: A Case Study for Pakistan ..

Is Pakistan's Manufacturing Sector Competitive? ..

Agricultural Terms of Trade in Pakistan: Issues of Profitability and Standard of Living of the Farmers ..

How External Shocks and Exchange Rate Depreciations Affect Pakistan? Implications for Choice of an Exchange Rate Regime ..

Health Demand and Outcomes in Pakistan ..

Factors Influencing of Girls' Primary Enrolment in Pakistan ..

Why Private Investment in Pakistan has Collasped and How it can be Restored ..

Zakat as a Social Safety Net: Exploring the Impat on Household welfare in Pakistan ..

On the Causal Relationship between Government Expenditure and Tax Revenue in Pakistan ..

Burden of Stabilization on Provinces and Its Implication on Social Sectors ..

Gender and Public Spending on Education in Pakistan: A Case Study of Disaggregated Benefit Incidence ..

Hidden Subsidies ..

Trade, Investment and Growth Nexus in Pakistan: An Application of Cointegration and Multivariate Causality Test ..

Socioeconomic and Environment Conditions and Diarrhoeal Disease among Children in Pakistan ..

The Periods of Disinvestment in Different Sectors of the Pakistan Economy ..

Emerging Macroeconomic Imbalances ..

Relationship Between Health Expenditure and GDP in an Augmented Solow Growth Model for Pakistan: An Application of Co-integration and Error Correction Modelling ..

Income Patterns of Woman Workers in Pakistan- A Case Study of the Urban Manufacturing Sector ..

Changes in Returns to Education in Pakistan: 1990-2002 ..

Non-profit Sector in Pakistan: Government Policy and Future Issues ..

Foreign Capital Inflows and Domestic Savings in Pakistan: Co-integration Techniques and Error Correction Modelling ..

Measurement of Cost of Capital for Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan: A Neoclassical Approach ..

Political Economy of Fiscal Reforms in the 1990s ..

Crowding Out Hypothesis in a Vector Error Correction Framework: A Case Study of Pakistan ..

The Long run and Short run Impact of Exchange Rate Devaluation on Pakistan's Trade Performance ..

Devolution and Fiscal Decentralisation ..

Governance, Decentralisation and Poverty: The Case of Pakistan ..

Elasticity and Buoyancy of Major Taxes in Pakistan ..

Dynamic Consequences of 1997 NFC Award: Provincial Social Sector Expenditure ..

Stabilization Policy vs Growth Oriented Policy: Implications for the Pakistan Economy ..

The City of Karachi: Planning and Managing for Urban Development ..

Impediments to Improvements of Social Services in Pakistan ..

Fiscal Decentralisation: Lessons from the South Asian Experience ..

Some Issues of Governance in Pakistan ..

Pakistan's Trade Performance vis-à-vis its Major Trading Partners ..

Co-integration & Causality Between Money Supply and Inflation: A Case of Pakistan ..

Facilitating the Provision of Farm Credit: The Role of Interlocking Transactions Between Traders and Zamindars in Crop Marketing Systems in Sindh ..

Fifty Years of Public Finance in Pakistan ..

Pakistan's Ranking in Social Development: Have We Always Been Backward? ..

Impediments to Social Development in Pakistan ..

The Post-Explosion Budget ..

Pakistan: Economic Overview ..

Interlocking Transactions in Agriculture, Sindh, Pakistan ..

Macro Trends in Corporate Profitability in Pakistan ..

Comparing the Seed Cotton and Wheat Marketing Chains in Sindh ..

Can Cost Effective Reallocation of Inputs Increase the Efficiency of the Public Health System in Pakistan? ..

Economic Overview: Pakistan ..

Determinants of Intra-Urban Residential Mobility in Developing Countries: An Empirical Study of Pakistan ..

Globalization of the Pakistani Economy: Autarky or Dependence ..

The Structure of Government in Pakistan ..

Governance and Fiscal Reforms ..

Political Economy of Higher Education: A Study of Pakistan ..

A Case Study of Pakistan ..

Relative Fiscal Effort by Provincial Governments in Pakistan (1989-90 and 1994-95) ..

Integrated Social-Sector Macroeconomic Model for Pakistan ..

Social Development Ranking of Districts of Pakistan ..

Gender Differentials in the Cost of Primary Education: A Study of Pakistan ..

Excess Burden of the Property Tax: The Open Jurisdiction Case ..

Do Girls have a Higher School Drop-out Rate than Boys? A Hazard Rate Analysis of Evidence from a Third World City ..

Suburban Minimum Lot Zoning and Spatial Equilibrium ..

Demand for Housing Attributes in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Pakistan ..

Financial Development of Megacities ..

The Structure of Government in Pakistan ..

The Determinants of Rates of Octroi Tax in Pakistan ..

Political Economy of Tax: A Study on Improving the Efficiency & Effectiveness of Spending in the Social Sectors & Increasing Resources Mobilisation in the Provinces ..

What Explains the Current High Rate of Inflation in Pakistan ..

Is the Social Action Programme in Pakistan Financially Sustainable? ..

Optimal Local Sales Tax ..

General Equilibrium Effects of Local Taxes ..

Comparative Statistics Analysis of Urban Land Value in the Presence of Government Regulation ..

Excess Burden of the Property Tax: The Open Versus the Closed City Case ..

The main focus of the study is to evaluate the social dimensions of SDGs in terms of data gaps and propose a set of preliminary national indicators for tracking the status of selected SDGs, including no poverty, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality and reduced inequalities. It also discusses some key policy issues that are considered crucial for achieving sustainable soci ..

Social Development in Pakistan: The State of Social Development in Urban Pakistan ..

Social Development in Pakistan: The State of Social Development in Rural Pakistan ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Devolution and Social Development ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Social Impact of the Security Crisis ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Women at Work ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Devolution and Human Development in Pakistan ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Trade Liberalization Growth and Poverty ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Combating Poverty: Is Growth Sufficient? ..

Social Development in Pakistan: The State of Education ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Growth Inequality and Poverty ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Towards Poverty Reduction ..

Social Development in Pakistan: Social Development in Economic Crisis ..

Social Development in Pakistan ..

This Compendium is a result of the research undertaken and published between 2009 to 2013 under the Gender Research Programme of Social Policy and Development Centre (SPDC). The programme was developed to factor in gendered perspectives in hardcore economic issues as well as social progress-engine concepts of development in the research and policy analysis. It is important to add to the research i ..

Provincial Governments and the Social Sectors in Pakistan ..

Resource Mobilisation and Expenditure Planning in the Provinces of Pakistan ..

Issues in Institutional Reform for Devolution ..

Is Pakistan's Manufacturing Sector Competitive? ..

Agricultural Terms of Trade in Pakistan: Issues of Profitability and Standard of Living of the Farmers ..

How External Shocks and Exchange Rate Depreciations Affect Pakistan? Implications for Choice of an Exchange Rate Regime ..

Burden of Stabilization on Provinces and Its Implication on Social Sectors ..

Macroeconomic Reforms and Return to Human Capital in Pakistan ..

The Plight of Working Mothers in Pakistan: Advantages and Disadvantages of a Joint Family System ..

Nonprofit Sector in Pakistan: Government Policy and Future Issues ..

Gender and Public Spending on Education in Pakistan: A Case Study of Disaggregated Benefit Incidence ..

Hidden Subsidies ..

Why Private Investment in Pakistan has Collapsed and how can it be Restored ..

Expenditure, depriciation, allowances, model, economy ..

Tax Holidays Cost of Capital and Investment Behaviour: Jorgenson Approach ..

Is Female Illiteracy a Determinant for Child Malnutrition: An Analyses of Developing Countries ..

Budgets and Fiscal Decentralization: A Case Study of Sindh ..

Macroeconomic Reforms and Total Factor Productivity Growth in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis ..

Stabilization Policy vs Growth Oriented Policy: Implication for the Pakistan Economy ..

Political Economy of Fiscal Reforms in the 1990s ..

Dynamic Consequences of the1997 National Finance Commission Award: Provincial Social Sector Expenditures ..

The Long run and Short run Impact of Exchange Rate Devaluation on Pakistan's Trade Performance ..

Dynamic Consequences of the1997 National Finance Commission Award: Provincial Social Sector Expenditures ..

Crowding Out Hypothesis in a Vector Error Correction Framework: A Case Study of Pakistan ..

Districts Level of Development as Push and Pull Factor in Inter- District Migration in Pakistan ..

Devolution and Fiscal Decentralisation ..

Governance, Decentralisation and Poverty: The Case of Pakistan ..

Internal Migration: The Case of Sindh Province ..

Public Expenditure Reform ..

Issues in Fiscal Decentralisation ..

Policy Research and Its Implementation: Pakistan and Canada ..

Brief on Annual Review of SPDC for 2000 on Towards Poverty Reduction ..

Proceedings of the Seminar on Prospects and Policies for the Future ..

An Econometric Evaluation of Pakistan's National Education Policy 1998-2010 ..

Pakistan's Ranking in Social Development: Have We Always Been Backward ..

Social Sector Policies Under SAP ..

Impediments to Improvement of Social Sectors in Pakistan ..

Proceedings of the Launching Ceremony of the Social Development in Pakistan - Annual Review 1998 ..

Is There a Long-Run Relationship Between Economic Growth and Human Development? Some Cross Country Evidence from Developing Countries ..

Improved Health Status and Economic Growth: Some Co- integration Results from Developing Economies ..

Has Poverty Returned to Pakistan? ..

Sustainability of Public Debt in Pakistan ..

The City of Karachi: Planning and Managing for Urban ..

Social Development Ranking of Districts of Pakistan ..

Integrated Social-Sector Macroeconomic Model for Pakistan ..

Prospects of Resource Mobilisation by the Provincial Governments ..

Development of Property Taxation ..

Overview of Integrated Revenue and Expenditure Planning Model for Social Sectors ..

Specification of the Integrated Social Policy Macro Economic Model ..

Software Development and Use of the Model ..

Results of Policy Simulations ..

Is the Social Action Programme (SAP) in Pakistan Financially Sustainable? ..

Is Public Sector Investment Productive? Some Evidence from Pakistan ..

Financial Development of Megacities ..

Municipal Finance in Small Cities ..

Determinants of Rates of Octroi Tax in Pakistan ..

Proceedings of the Second Conference on Resource Mobilisation and Expenditure Planning ..

Proceedings of the Conference on Resource Mobilisation & Expenditure Planning ..

The Implementation Environment of the Social Action Programme ..

Investment Strategy and Expenditure Requirements for Social Development ..

Provincial, islamization, environment, Buoyancy, Taxes. ..

Problems in Resource Mobilisation in Punjab ..

Local Government Resource Mobilisation ..

Local Government Resource Mobilisation ..

Expenditure Planning Issues ..

Impact Of Budget On Investment And Savings ..

Security Threat and its Costs ..

SPDC's latest report focuses on formulating a localised indicator framework for measuring progress on SDGs. Read Dr Pervez Tahir's OpEd on SPDC's Review of Social Development in Pakistan here: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2323727/some-numbers-to-ponder ..

Raising tax revenues during the third wave of Covid-19 is a daunting task for the policymakers in Pakistan. There are hardly any policy options available for the federal government to raise tax revenues during these challenging times. In this scenario, Social Policy and Development Centre’s (SPDC) recently published a policy brief on “Modelling the Revenue and Health Implications of Tobacco Ta ..

A macroeconomic case for higher tobacco taxes in Pakistan ..

NFC: political economy at work ..

Show-off Time ..

Gender budgeting — a pathway to sustainable development ..

Hell beyond hell ..

Ter aie dhagi wara tarakiyati aie moashi mansooba ..

Mutafariq: Thatta ke Saheeli Dehaat aur Samandari Mudakhalat ..

Manchar Dhand: Kheer ji neher ya zeher jo dukh ..

Badin men Samandari Mudakhalat aur LBOD ki Tabahkari ..

Beyond the Crisis ..

Tharparker: Eik Zarkhez Sehrah, Kahhet se Mosamiyati Tabdeeli tak ..

Where does the axe fall? Sindh loses focus in budget ..

Budget 2015-16 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Social development, gender equality put on the backburner ..

The tale of tax-to-GDP growth ..

Understating tax expenditure ..

Decapitalising the decline in international oil prices ..

Cooking the books (Part 1 and Part II) ..

External Debt and Foreign Exchange Reserves ..

Missing targets ..

Mosamyati Tabdeeli se dochar Zila Dadu ..

Slip, sliding away ..

Provincial Finance Commission Awards: A tool for inclusive development ..

Mortal duty ..

Womens struggle in Pakistan Movement ..

Betting on Social Development ..

Economic Development and Income Redistribution ..

Sindh budget 2014-15: A compromise on development ..

Mushkilaat, Masael aur Bohrano ki tareek shab ki saher kab hogi? ..

Are Pakistani Women Represented? ..

Pakistani Political candidates threatened by Taliban terror attacks ..

Pakistan’s Emphasis on Social Development ..

An ambitious budget(part-1 and part-2) ..

Poaching on the Provinces. ..

The hike in power tariffs ..

A Resilient Nation ..

Stagflation feared ..

Contingency Planning ..

Building Bridges with India-Pakistan Peace ..

The SRO blues ..

Hike in domestic power tariffs ..

The Annual Plan ..

IMF Intrusions ..

Ominous trends ..

Social spending: Punjab spends the least? ..

Agri income tax evasion: a huge disincentive for taxpayers ..

Future of GST services as provincial tax uncertain ..

Provinces have strong revenue potential ..

Mahroomiat ..

Dadu Zila main Taleem ji Tabahi ain upa ..

Mooashi Istehkam ke Raaste Masdood.......Siyasi Azadi Mazboot Maeeshiyat Ke Bagair Namumkin Hai ..

Sindh maen Thiyal Taleemi Tabahi Aeen Imdadi Idaran Joon Tarjihaat ..

Looking back in terror. ..

Poverty of the Budget ..

Politicking in Education ..

Taleem Ji behtri Lai Sanjeedgi kithy aahe? ..

Concept or reality? ..

Fiscal Devolution: Still an Unfinished Agenda ..

Balochistan Budget 2012-13: Compromising Social Development ..

Sindh Budget: Myth and Reality ..

Poverty Estimates 2011 ..

Gender preference in Zakat spending ..

Tijarti Woosat Pazeeri: Women Work Force per Asaraat Mehdood Kiyun? ..

Federal Budge FY12: Unpleasant Arithmetic - ..

Punjab Compromising on Social Development - ..

Is Sindh Budget Surplus A Mirage? ..

KP Budget: ILL-Defined Priorities ..

Balochistan Ignores Social Development - ..

The Wretched of Sindh ..

Dolti Maeeshiyat per aik aur kaari Zarb ..

Primary Sattah per Sanfi Adam Masawat ki Booland Sharah ..

Chamre ki Sanath - Eid ul Azha.....Mazhabi Tehwaar, Aham Moashee Sargarmiyun ka Maakhiz ..

The Power of Panchayats ..

The Decline in Sindh ..

The Poorest of the Poor in Pakistan: Households Headed by Women ..

Debt Sustainability: Thwarting Economic Outlook ..

A Method to this Madness ..

The NFC Award: Punjab Biggest Gainer ..

Efficacy of Budget Transparency ..

Gender and Public Spending on Education. ..

Trade Liberalisation and Women Participation in Labour Force ..

Knowing the Unknown: Federal Budget 2009-10  ..

Mazdoor Bachoun ki Falah-O-Bahbood Kaise? ..

Street Children, Aik Ahem Samaji Masala ..

Depoliticising Madrassas  ..

Devolution without Delegation ..

New Budget to Fuel Inflation ..

Imperatives for the Economy: Federal Budget 2008-09  ..

Foreign Exchange Crisis ..

 Mehngai, Ghurbat, Berozgari, Loadshadding: Karachi Sheher ki Awan ke Bunyadi Masail aur unke Asarat ..

Indentifying Causes of High Inflation ..

May be a Missed Opportunity? ..

Understanding the Making of the Failed States Index  ..

ABC of the Economics of Tariffs and Import Quotas ..

Large Subsidies with Little Relief ..

Does Globalisation Benefit the Poor? Evidence from Pakistan  ..

 The Debate on Poverty ..

The Good and the Bad ..

The Poverty Debate ..

Pakistan in Quota-free Textile Trade ..

Moving from Tax to Expenditure Reform ..

Crop Sector: Impending Crisis - ..

Suffering in Silence ..

Inflationary Risks to Economic Gains - ..

Internet: demand and pricing ..

Time for Policy Shifts ..

Wither the Muslim World? ..

Mulki Maeeshiyat, Karkardagi, Ihdaaf aur Nataij: 2003-04 ke Iqtesadi Survey aur Wafaqi Budget ki Roshni main Quomi Mansooba bandi ka Jaeza ..

Sarkari Iqtesadi Jaeze aur Reports-Haqaeq kiya hain? Intehai Musbat Aadad-o-Shumar ke Bawajood Buniyadi Moashi Khamiyan door nahi ki ja Sakeen ..

Prospect for Public-Private Partnership in the Delivery of Immunization ..

UNDP's HDI: How Realistic it is? ..

Gearing up for Globalization ..

Wanted: Political Will ..

Peace and its Impact ..

Micro Solutions: Book Review ..

Illusive Fiscal Deficit Target ..

The Feasibility of Tax Revenue Targets ..

Creating and Unequal Society ..

Sarmaye ki Gher Munsifana Taqseem aur Adam Masawaat: Pakistan main Ghurbat ke Izafe ki Asal Wajoohaat hain ..

Focus on Regional Inequality ..

Sarmaye ki Gher Munsifana Taqseem aur Adam Masawaat: Pakistan main Ghurbat ke Izafe ki Asal Wajoohaat hain ..

Focus on Regional Inequality ..

An Economic Balance Sheet ..

Contradictory Monetary and Fiscal Policies ..

Foji aur Jamhoori Hukoomatain, Aik Iqtesadi Balance Sheet ..

General Pervez Musharraf ki Hukoomat ke Teen Saal ..

The Changing Scenario of Development Priorities ..

The New NFC and Some Old Issues ..

Moashi Bohran Tashweeshnak Hai: Mayus kun nahin ..

Budget: Kiya Maliyati Wasail ke Intezam mein Tabdeeli Kare Ga ..

Hifazati teekay: Pasmanda Ilaqoon per Tawajjo kem kiyon> ..

A Reiviews of World Economy ..

Understanding Afghanistan under the Taliban ..

Access is only the Beginning: Quality is the Key ..

Girl Child Toady - A Woman Tomorrow ..

Making the Harm Visible - An Affront to Civilisation ..

Putting Sindh's Grievances in Perspective ..

Gurbat Khan Garib Tar Dauh Veenar Dagg (Sindhi Article) ..

Poverty Alleviation Programmes: great expectations ..

Resolving the Water Crisis ..

Devastating Effect of Reducing Public Investment on Economic Growth ..

Pakistan maen Garib Parwar Budget Waro Adhoro Khuwab ..

Pakistan's Economy: An Analysis ..

Subai Taraqiyati Programme - Aik Jaeza ..

Budget Planning at the Time of Drought ..

Taleem Aam Kerne ka Hadaf ..

Naya NFC aur Baaz Purane Masail ..

Sarkari Saymaya Kari main Kami: Maeeshiyat per Tabha kun Asraat ..

Khushk Sali main Budget ki Mansooba-bandi ..

Jamhooriyat ko Dosh na Dain ..

Khawateen ke Hukook ki Pamali ..

 Pakistan maen Garib Parwar Budget Waro Adhoro Khuwab ..

New Budget: Challenges and Options ..

Pakistan ki Maeeshiyat ..

Khawateen ke Hukook ..

Jamhoori Usoolon per Amal ..

Gandum aur Hamari Maeeshiyat ..

Budget 2001-02: Another Illusion? ..

Growing Rural Poverty and Budget 2001-02 ..

Macroeconomics and Social Development ..

Pani ka Bohran Tareekh ke Tanazir Main ..

Lack of Investor Confidence ..

Rawan Mali Saal ki Budget Tajaveez Gher Haqiqi Hain ..

Fiscal Deficit: Target Missed but Performance much Better ..

Tax Revenues: Flaws in Estimation ..

Microeconomic aur Samaji Taraqi ..

Budget main Khasara kam Nahi Hooa ..

A Struggle to Achieve Economic, Social Rights ..

Sarmaya Karon main Aitemaad ka Fuqdaan ..

Dehi Elakon ki Ghurbat main Izafa ..

Zaree Karkerday aur Sarkari Policy ..

Taxon ki Amadni, Takhmeene main Saqam ..

Microeconomic Taraqi aur Ghurbat ..

Kasaad Bazari aur Budget ..

PSDP: Understanding Development Priorities ..

Agricultural Performance, Public Policy ..

Taraqqi ki Tarjeehat ..