Pakistan Drops Further in Global Human Development Index

Pakistan has fallen to 168th out of 193 countries on the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI), the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives informed the National Assembly on Friday during the Question Hour.

In a written reply to MNA Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, the ministry said Pakistan’s ranking has declined from 161 in 2020–21 and 164 in the 2023–24 report to 168 in the 2025 edition.

The drop was attributed to persistent macroeconomic pressures, the impact of the 2022 floods, limited investment in health and education, a narrow tax base, and a heavy debt burden.

Minister of State for Economic Affairs Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani called the decline “concerning,” noting that weakened HDI indicators reflected ongoing economic challenges.

He said the federal government is working to improve access to quality education by establishing 12 Danish Schools under the Uraan Pakistan Programme, with 10 more in the pipeline under the PSDP.

Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah referred the issue to the relevant standing committee for further review.

Separately, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani told the House that the government is finalizing revised rules for a strengthened whistleblower reward system as part of broader FBR reforms aimed at curbing tax evasion and widening the tax net. He confirmed that the prime minister had granted in-principle approval for reworking the system.

Responding to a question by Syeda Shehla Raza, Kayani acknowledged that the salaried class is “paying beyond its capacity,” adding that it remains the largest contributor to taxes.

He said the government aims to provide relief once the tax base is broadened and is working on a simplified and equitable tax regime.

Kayani added that after stabilizing the economy, the government is now prioritizing export-led growth and is holding regular consultations with the business community.