Bridging Pakistan’s Urban-Rural Divide
Fakhar-e-Alam
Peshawar: Inequitable urban-rural development remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing challenges, perpetuating inequality, undermining merit, and stifling national progress.
This longstanding divide has left rural communities struggling with poverty, lack of opportunities, and inadequate access to basic amenities, while urban areas bear the brunt of overpopulation and strained infrastructure.
The situation is particularly concerning in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where corruption, nepotism, and a lack of targeted development initiatives have exacerbated socio-economic disparities. Rural populations in KP, including the merged tribal districts, continue to face challenges such as inadequate education, healthcare, and clean drinking water, trapping many in a cycle of poverty.
Development Gap
“The development gap between rural and urban communities has fostered a fragmented society where rural populations feel increasingly alienated,” said Prof. Zilakat Ali Malik, former Chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Peshawar.
Highlighting the economic divide, Prof. Malik explained that cities generate 55 percent of Pakistan’s GDP and contribute 95 percent of federal tax revenues, with Karachi alone accounting for 12-15 percent of GDP and 55 percentof federal taxes. However, rural areas, home to 63.6 percent of the population, receive inadequate investment and policy attention.
“Investments in rural infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare are crucial to improving living standards and stimulating economic growth in remote areas,” Prof. Malik argued. He emphasized the need to modernize agriculture with advanced techniques, access to credit, and stronger market linkages to create jobs and improve productivity.
The Foundation of Progress
A key factor in the rural-urban divide is the lack of quality education in rural areas. According to Dr Ibrahim Khan, former Director of Elementary and Secondary Schools, approximately 22.8 million children across Pakistan are out of school, including 4.7 million in KP. The situation is particularly dire in former FATA regions, where cultural barriers and poor infrastructure prevent many children, especially girls, from attending school.
“Only 37 percent of girls in former FATA are enrolled at the primary level, and this figure drops to 5 percent at the secondary level,” Dr. Khan noted. He urged the government to focus on early childhood education, rebuild damaged schools, and expand the education network to rural villages.
Unplanned Urbanization
Unplanned urbanization further deepens the rural-urban divide. “Urbanization without proper strategies leads to slums, environmental degradation, and worsening inequalities,” stated Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, former Inspector General of KP Police. He warned that unchecked disparities could lead to increased social unrest and brain drain as skilled professionals seek better opportunities abroad.
Efforts and Initiatives
While the government has launched various initiatives to bridge the divide, such as the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), experts argue that these efforts are insufficient.
“BISP aims to alleviate poverty and narrow the rural-urban divide by providing educational stipends and nutritional support to 9.3 million households,” said Zohra Aslam, Director General of BISP KP. She highlighted plans to open more centers in rural areas to expand the program’s reach.
Similarly, KP’s Livestock and Dairy Development Minister, Fazal Hakeem, pointed to targeted rural programs like the Calf Fattening and Azakheli Buffalo Conservation Program, which aim to boost the rural economy and create jobs. However, he acknowledged that these scattered efforts need to be scaled up for significant impact.
Multi-Pronged Approach
Experts emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the urban-rural divide. Investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare must be complemented by strategic policy reforms and community-driven initiatives, particularly in agriculture and livestock.
“Bridging this divide is not just an economic necessity but a moral and strategic imperative for Pakistan’s long-term prosperity,” Shah said. He called for a holistic development strategy that ensures equal opportunities for all Pakistanis, regardless of their geographical location.
Only through comprehensive and sustained efforts can Pakistan unlock the untapped potential of its rural communities and build a more equitable, prosperous future for the nation.
The feature report was released by APP on December 1, 2024.
