Daily Times

Since its inception in 2018 the Imran Khan-led government has focused more on poverty eradication than any other programme. Without disturbing the landmark poverty alleviation project of the Benazir Income Support Programme, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government initiated its own projects – innovative and sustainable. Panahgahs have been functional in major cities to provide shelter to the homeless, while Ehsaas is on its way to a phased completion to provide instant supplies of food, clothing, education, health and subsistence to deserving people. These steps reflect the government’s determination in pursuing Article 38 (d) of the Constitution under which the state is to ensure citizens’ access to fundamental rights such as shelter, clothing, health and education. Despite facing hard financial issues, the PTI government cut development allocations in the budget for 2019-20 but still allocated Rs80 billion for the underprivileged segments of society. In 2020, the sum would be increased to Rs120 billion.

As it is the World Poverty Eradication Day today, the government, the private sector and the public at large to need to redefine their vows to fight poverty. So far the government, through its Ehsaas programme, has several policy windows such as the “National Poverty Graduation Initiative, financial inclusion strategy, and prize funds for innovative solutions such as garbage collecting rickshaws to create jobs. Still, state’s capacity to fight poverty is far from the desired goal. The private sector, though, has partnered with the government in its Langar programme, but its corporate social responsibility programme needs to be streamlined, scrutinised and documented. Pakistan has made a name in philanthropy, and in every nook and corner, charity work is ongoing selflessly. These initiatives must be documented under a governmental window so that they are facilitated and strengthened. The creation of a poverty alleviation ministry can do the needful.

Moving from instant relief to the provision of jobs and other basic needs, the government will need to pursue pragmatic targets of holistic socio-economic development to eradicate poverty. CPEC is likely to bring about a new phase of jobs and other opportunities, which will in turn raise the standard of living. We can learn a lot from China in agriculture, livestock, fishery, and other sectors which engage people from the downtrodden segments. To meet the modern challenges and opportunities of CPEC, it is time for technical and vocational education and training programmes. Poverty reduction is a huge task which needs iron political will and commitment. The good thing is the government has made it a top priority. *