Pakistan continues to trail the South Asian region in several major health indicators despite gradual improvements in healthcare services and outcomes, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released by the government.
The survey shows that Pakistan’s public spending on health remains below one per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocating only Rs19.37 billion for the health sector during the fiscal year.
While life expectancy at birth in Pakistan increased from 66.5 years in 2018 to 67.8 years in 2024, it remains significantly below the South Asian average of 72.6 years. The country also records higher maternal and infant mortality rates compared to regional benchmarks. Pakistan’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 155 deaths per 100,000 births, compared to 120 across South Asia, while infant mortality remains at 47 deaths per 1,000 live births against the regional average of 23.2.
The survey further highlights challenges in nutrition and access to basic services. Around 16.5 per cent of Pakistan’s population is undernourished compared to 11.7 per cent in South Asia, while 33.6 per cent of children under five suffer from stunting, slightly higher than the regional average of 31.5 per cent.
Access to sanitation and drinking water also lags behind neighbouring countries. Basic sanitation facilities are available to 71.9 per cent of Pakistan’s population compared to 82 per cent in South Asia, while access to basic drinking water stands at 90.7 per cent against the regional average of 95.9 per cent.
Despite these challenges, the survey notes progress in several areas. The number of doctors increased from 319,572 in 2024 to 336,582 in 2025, while immunisation coverage rose from 68 per cent in 2018-19 to 73 per cent in 2024-25. Pakistan also recorded declines in neonatal and infant mortality rates and continues efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 on health and well-being.