Abstract

 

In Pakistan, poverty alleviation is a momentous issue, as 24.3% of population still lives under treacherous conditions. Although, this figure is contested by independent sources, we will stick to quote the official number. For economic and social wellbeing of any country, it is mandatory to pull people out of poverty. The new government is enthusiastic to exterminate the multidimensional poverty either directly through creating job opportunities or indirectly through providing people with basic health and education facilities. Various projects are in the pipeline at enormous level that may help in alleviating poverty. Projects like five million low-cost housing units , industrial subsidies, employment, institutional reforms in health and education sectors can better pave the way to curb the menace of poverty.

 

All these developments are being initiated with the dogma to improve life standards of the poor. Multi-dimensional poverty, which Pakistan is facing now, cannot be eliminated without launching appropriately targeted programmes. In this regard, Chinese model to eradicate poverty is crucial to understand so that better policies can be devised with the efficient use of limited resources. China’s poverty alleviation programme was customized for the rural and urban poor separately. Urban administration went for tailor-made policies to get quick results while rural programmes were mainly financed by central government.

Under this programme, poor individuals with no sustainable source of income, no capability to work and without any guardian were taken into account. Later, this programme was spread to facilitate the poor with health and education downsides. In addition, various jobs were allocated by rural or urban administrations to the poor so that they can earn their livings by themselves and spend it to fulfil the basic needs. Food-for-work was another programme where the poor in rural areas, without any livelihood sources, were given chance to work for the government project and, in return, they get healthy food besides their income.

 

In the same way, Pakistan must learn from the success story of China to end multidimensional poverty. The government seems passionate to borrow lessons. Prime Minister Imran Khan has visited China in the first week of November. This study will help the government provide policy implications based on lessons from China’s poverty alleviation programme.