1

Social Problems of Pakistan their Causes

& Solutions
Pakistan is a developing state which is going through various problems and issues. These issues
are from various origins having long lasting impact on the stability of the economy and the
goodwill of country. The problems are being divided in to several heads amongst which one of
the very important head is the Social problems of Pakistan.

1. Illiteracy
2. Population Expansion
3. Poverty
4. Drug addiction
5. Environmental Population
6. Divorce
7. Poor Standards of Education
8. Human Migration
9. Feudalism
10. Smuggling
11. Aging

1. Illiteracy in Pakistan
Illiteracy is a lack of knowledge in a particular subject or is the inability to write and
read. When the person is not able to read even simple books and is not able to write anything
more than his own name, this is an example of illiteracy.

Social Problems of Pakistan and their Solutions Education which is considered as the
cheapest way of defense is not being promoted in our country which has made the literacy rate
of our country decline to a major extent. The people will not have the education so they will not
be able to put any impact on the country. The literacy rate of Pakistan is 49.9% which makes
them fall on the rating of 136th in the world that shows that the world's 6th largest populated
country is being kept away from education. According to a survey the primary education
completing rate in Pakistan is 33.8% in females and 47.18% in males. The solution to this
problem is that the education at least till the secondary part should be made compulsory and
free for the students so that they can get full advantage form this blessing.
2

Causes of Illiteracy in Pakistan

1. Low Enrolment and High Dropout Rate especially at Primary Level
Low enrolment and high dropout have attributed to number of both out-of-school and
in-school factors. Of the out-of-school factors, general poverty, low motivation of rural people
to send their children to schools, uninviting rural conditions and socio-cultural inhibitions
towards education of the females, malnutrition of children are said to be responsible for this
situation among the in-school factors, extremely poor condition of school buildings, lack of
equipment and teaching aids, shortage and absenteeism among teachers, inadequate
supervision, poor communication facilities, and low morale of primary school teachers and the
harsh treatment towards the pupils, unattractive school curriculum and environment
significantly contribute to the present state of primary education in Pakistan. (Govt. of Pakistan,
1979, p.5-6)

2. Low Budget Allocation

According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2006, overall literacy rate is estimated to
be only 54 percent. However independent analysts and social sector educational organizations
claim that actual figure is very low. The current statistics show that Primary Education in
Pakistan has a gross enrollment rate of 70%, having 50% dropout before reaching the fifth class
3

while out of this 35% remaining, only one third reach the minimum quality standard of passing
primary education which is only 11% of the total target population.
The main obstacle in the expansion and improvement of education facilities is the lack of
adequate financial support. Considerable increase in financial allocations would be necessary.
This would require mobilization of additional resources. (Govt. of Pakistan, 1990, p.80).

In brief, an amount of Rs.64.02 billion representing Rs.7.87 billion as development and

Rs.56.156 billion for recurring is provided for education during 1997-98.

Since its creation, Pakistan is spending a very small portion of its GDP on education.
There is no doubt that like many underdeveloped nations, Pakistan faces financial problems.
The government allocates very small amount of the total annual budget for education. The
current government has promised to apportion a meager 4 % for the next fiscal year. Perhaps,
this promise is due to that The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), proposes that every underdeveloped nation should allocate at least 4% of its total
GDP for education. Chad, one of the poorest nations in the world, has allocated 6% for
education in its budget.

3. Low Quality of Curricula and Text Books

The curriculum and the combination of the courses have lost their motivational value
for lack of relevance to the aspirations of the individual and the development needs of the
country. Their usefulness for national integration has become questionable. (Govt. of Pakistan,
1990, p.13)

The delivery of school curricula, that is, textbooks, teacher training and examinations
suffer from a number of distortions. For example, the textbook does not properly reflect the
spirit and intentions of the school curricula. These are generally of poor quality and contain
materials which are unnecessarily repetitive. The language in many cases is defective as is the
presentation of concept which are not in agreement with the understanding capacity of
children. Apart from poor layouts and unattractive illustration design of science books, the
books in social sciences fail to inculcate the desired national cohesion. Also, the teachers are
not adequately oriented and trained in accordance with the needs of the curriculum. And the
examination questions, based mainly on textbooks, are hardly designed to measure the
competencies required to be inculcated in students. All this promotes rote-learning. (Govt. of
Pakistan, 1990, p.23)

4. Rapid Growth in Population, Poverty and Unemployment

According to Economic Survey of United Nations 2002, “Most of the inhabitants of
Pakistan are poor and 40% of them live below the poverty line, about 70% of its population
4

dwells in villages. About 300,000, young ones are jobless. They have no access to good
education”. The reports show that great many difficulties and troubles have been faced by this
poor and suppressed class of the country. Their main occupation is agriculture and its yearly
output cannot meet their basic needs of life. It is worth to note that only 1% population hold
almost 95% of lands in Pakistan. This unjust division of land further creates economic problems
not only for the poor but also the government does not get the lion’s share in this respect.

5. Substandard Evaluation System

The existing system of examination is one of the root-cause of the general malaise in
our education system (Govt. of Pakistan, 1972, p.31)

It has constantly been observed that one of the fundamental reasons for the
deterioration of educational standards is the perpetual continuation of an obsolete system of
external examinations which encourages learning by rote and subjects the students to various
stresses and strains. (Govt. of Pakistan, 1978, p.16)

Evaluation is a crucial phase in the teaching-learning process. The dynamics of

education leading to the realization of specific objectives is to a large extent, directed by the
evaluation mechanisms used. Examination reforms carried out in a number of developing
countries have caused improvement in their education systems. However, in spirit of high
priority given to the examination system (Report of the national commission on
education,1959) and reforms suggested in a number of other reports, our gains in improving
examination have been only marginal. The report on examination reforms (1985) makes a
comprehensive analysis of the malfunction of examination system (annual. semester) and
suggested a number of remedial measures. Unfortunately, these measures have not been
implemented. The result is that even today we are caught in a vicious circle. The circle begins at
the badly conducted teaching-learning process, and ending at a ragbag system called external
evaluation. For students it is an exercise in attrition; for parents it is bringing economic loss; and
for the state it is producing manpower of unreliable quality. (Govt. of Pakistan, 1990, p.69)

6. Illiterate Parents
Most of the parents are illiterate that is why they do not like to send their children to
school specially the daughters. In urban areas this percentage of literacy is also higher among
the woman than that of men.

7. Lack of Facilities
Lack of facilities like industrial, educational and the new environment of technology is
most important cause of illiteracy.
5

8. Unemployment
Another very important fact is that people of rural areas see educated young men are
without employment. Then they think that why we should educate children.

Solution of Illiteracy

1. Increasing Enrollment and lowering dropout:

The Present government set the target of 100% net enrollment at primary level and 86% adult
literacy rate by the year 2015. The NCHD’s (National Commission for Human Development) UPE
(Universal Primary Education) program targets the Out-of-school children, by carrying out data
collection of each and every household through door to door survey, with the help of social
activists and teachers of schools, and community meetings ensuring community participation.
Where there are no schools within commuting distance, NCHD opened formal community
based primary schools, and thus successfully ensured schooling access. Therefore, the following
two major steps are still needed for improvement in the situations:

 Steps should be taken that the head of every primary school may approach
systematically for the profile of every baby’s birth record.
 Researches should be done to find out the factors for high dropout rate at primary level
and steps be taken to eliminate the causes.

2. Eliminating Multiplicity in Education

A uniform be adopted gradually to eliminate the problem of different
educational systems as pointed out earlier. Three important steps that the government can take in this
regard are as follows:

1. One medium of instruction should be introduced. In the present day computational

international environment of competition, English is assumed to be an unprecedented
important tool as a medium of instruction. Although Urdu will perhaps, remain a language of
our people for a long time to come, English has to be given preference if a choice is to be made.
2.Religious education should be incorporated in the mainstream of education. For this purpose,
most important thing is to introduce Arabic as a second language at the appropriate stage. This
may not be as difficult as it seems. Some work may be required in forming the curricula and
pedagogy, but the rest can be done just by including Arabic in Civil Services and Army entrance
examinations. Similarly, Arabic can be made a prerequisite for entrance into a number of other
professions and for promotion examinations. (For example, in the judiciary it makes sense to
have a judge who has a sound base in Arabic deciding about Islamic Jurisprudence). Demand
6

will create its own supply, and it is expected that schools, institutions and parents will also be
inclined towards this to opt.
3. Free text material should be provided free of cost at all levels and for all the public/private
institutions as well as for the madrassah, and can make it mandatory for all the institutions
otherwise their certificates and degrees should not be recognized and their affiliation with
different boards and universities should be cancelled.

3. Increasing Educational Budget

1. Government should take an active eye and should allocate more funds for the improvement
of education.
2. Maturate the public to financial contributions for the purpose. Modern marketing and fund-
raising techniques can be adopted for the purpose.
3. Offer tax exemptions and other such incentives may be offered to private sectors to invest in
education in rural and less developed areas.
4. Make it mandatory for each industrial unit/agricultural estate of an area above a specified
limit to provide for a school within its premises/area. Alternatively, the owner can be asked to
share costs with the government for setting up such school. Another option may be to giving
various financial/tax incentives.
5. Government of Pakistan should allocate at least 6% of the GDP to education and ensure its
proper and fair use.

4. Eliminating Political Influence

1. Politics must be eliminated from education department.

2. Student should pay attention much more on their studies than chalking walls in propagation
of different leaders, by doing so they are just wasting their time; nothing can be got by
nefarious means.
3. In rural areas where needed, provide each school with security forces to ensure that people
face no resistance from the feudal in educating their children.

Pakistan is at 58%. Pakistan youth (15-24 years), literacy rate is 79.1 for males and 61.5% for
females. Pakistan is more literate than its predecessors:
Over 55 years 35% literate
35-45 years 50% literate
45-55 years 40% literate
25-35 years 60% literate
15-25 years 70% literate
7

1. People should be given awareness for the need of Education.

2. Enough funds should be provided for starting new schools and colleges.
3. Funds should be provided for poor students.
4. Qualified teachers should be appointed to teach the students.

2. Population Expansion
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES, EFFECTS AND MEASURES OF OVER-
POPULATION IN PAKISTAN?
Rapid growth in population is a major problem confronting Pakistan as it lies at the Centre of
the country’s social, economic and political problems and keeping these in mind, the population
explosion can be termed as the biggest problem Pakistan is facing today after terrorism.
Majority of our population is unable to have proper educational facilities and health services,
the basic amenities for life and it is mainly because of rapid population growth rate in Pakistan
though poor policy making is also responsible for the phenomenon. The population in the
country is facing shortage of food, living space, arable land, clean water and housing units due
to rapid population growth rate that is also responsible for energy crisis to a significant extent.
Rapidly increasing population is putting pressure on transportation, electricity, sewage,
sanitation and causing increase in unemployment and surge in food prices. The population in
the country is facing consequences of the problems like land fragmentation, environmental
degradation, urbanization, suicide tendencies, overcrowding and congestion in households,
squatter settlements, poverty, unrest and increase in number of social evils like lawlessness,
crimes, drug addiction and corruption and decrease in per capita income because of rapid
population growth rate. Comparing the population issue of other Muslim countries, Pakistan is
leading in Population growth rate with 2.0%, leaving behind Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran,
Turkey, Morocco, Egypt and Malaysia at a growth rate 1.07%.

Head of Community Medicine at CMH Lahore Medical College Professor Dr Muhammad Ashraf
Chaudhry expressed this while talking to ‘The News’ in connection with World Population Day
being observed on July 11 around the globe. Theme of the World Population Day is ‘Vulnerable
Populations in Emergencies’. The focus is raising awareness on the needs of women and girls in
emergencies.

Dr. Ashraf said the number game is no more number game for Pakistan; it is life and death
game now. Zero Population Growth (ZPG) must be achieved, if the human species is to survive.
8

In order to achieve the ZPG, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) would need to drop from present 3.2
children per woman average to two-child average which is the Replacement Level Fertility. For
this we will have to increase the contraceptive prevalence rate up to 60%, he added. He is of
the view that surprisingly, no politician hungry of political power has ever raised any concern
about the population explosion and its consequences. Perhaps our leaders, the government
and the opposition, can take some time off from personal attacks on each other and devote
some of their attention to this issue. Family planning facilities should be made part of health
facilities in a proper way. Awareness of family planning for the males has a huge impact on the
acceptance of contraceptive use. Health care professionals require to actively involving males in
decision making process, he said. The population of Pakistan was 33 million in 1950 and its rank
was 14th in the world. Today, it has reached around 191.71 million making Pakistan 6th most
populous country of the world. Pakistan has the highest population growth rate in the world at
around 2.0%. Each family in Pakistan on average has 3.2 children. If the population of the
country continues to grow with the same rate, it is likely to reach 500 million by 2050 and
Pakistan will become 3rd most populous country of the world, said Dr. Ashraf. Our Maternal
Mortality Rate (260 per hundred thousand live births) and Infant Mortality Rate (60 per 1000
live births) are still among the highest in the world. This reality makes family planning in
Pakistan one of the most urgent causes that need immediate support and attention, he said.

He added that high quality family planning services can increase contraceptive prevalence rate
in the country up to 50% by 2020. It is recommended that status of women in the society
should be increased by providing educational and employment opportunities, he said. Talking
of the major factors responsible for high population growth in Pakistan, he said high fertility,
declining mortality, custom of early marriages, son preference, high infant mortality, poverty,
illiteracy
9

Population Expansion
250,000,000

200,000,000

150,000,000

100,000,000

50,000,000

0
1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

especially of women and lack of women empowerment, trend of polygamy, religious

constraints, beliefs, customs, traditions and lack of recreational activities are the major factors.

Appendix: Worldometers  (www.worldometers.info//), Department of Economic and Social

Affairs, Population Division.

What is Population?
In human biology, the whole numbers of residents take up an area (such as a country or the
world) and frequently being changed by increases (births and migrations) and losses (deaths
and migrations).

What is Over Population?

The term “Over Population” or “Population Expansion” is used to express the idea of more
population for fewer resources.

Population Situation in Pakistan

According to the economic survey of Pakistan 2010-11, the total population of Pakistan is 177.1
million against the 173.5 million in last year. Population growth rate is 2.0%and in the list of
most populous countries, Pakistan is at 6th number.

CAUSES OF OVER POPULATION

Following are the main causes of over population in Pakistan:
10

 ALLAH is RAZIQ
Muslims have a solid belief that God gives food to everyone even to an ant living in a stone. So,
why they reduce the size of family?

 No or Less Opportunity Cost

71% Women are not active in economic activities in Pakistan. Women have no any economic
loss while having a Child. Opportunity cost for having a Child is very low or zero in Pakistan.

 Low per Capita Income

We know that per capita income derives by dividing national income on total population. Low
per capita income shows population explosion. Per capita income in Pakistan is $ 1254.

 Unemployment
Unemployment is also a symbol of over population. It is difficult to adjust the huge population
in economic activities. Rate of unemployment is 5.6 % in Pakistan.

 High Population Growth Rate

Yearly Change in Population

4,500,000
4,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

The birth rate is very high which shows that our country is over populated. Rapid growth rate of
population is 2.0 % in Pakistan.

Appendix: Worldometers  (www.worldometers.info//), Department of Economic and Social

Affairs, Population Division.

 Need for More Earning Hands

11

A single person cannot sport his large family in developing countries like Pakistan. He thinks to
have more children to be more earning hands.

 Afghan Refugees
An arrival of refugees from India and especially from Afghanistan is also resulting in more
population.

 Low Death Rate

Reduction in death rate is another cause of over population. Death rate in 1951 was 2.8 % while
it is just 0.73 % in 2010-11.

 Low Standard of Living

It is observed that in Pakistan people with low income have more children. It is difficult to
support such large size family. It results in low living standard of the population.

 Warm Climate
Due to the warm climate, youth and maturity is attained at an early age. It also results in rapid
population growth.

 Absence of Family Planning

Effective family planning is not available in Pakistan. People are not familiar with the methods
of family planning. They feel hesitation to consult a doctor.

 Joint Family System

There is competition among the family member in accordance with the family size in joint
family system. It is also a cause for rapid growth of children.

 Early Marriages
The marriages take place usually between 16 to 22 years of age in Pakistan. The duration for re-
productivity is very lengthy.

 Illiteracy
Due to lack of education, people are not aware of with the economic problems caused by high
birth rate. Literacy rate is 57.7 % in Pakistan.
12

 Inefficient Population
Dependency ratio is very high in our county. Only 32.17 % population take part in economic
activities and other 67.83 % depends upon them. It views as a pressure on land and population
expulsion.

 Polygamy Practice
Polygamy is the condition or practice of having more than one wife at one time. The existence
of polygamy also contributes to the increase in population.

 Urbanization
Due to rural urban migration and lack of facilities in cities, there are many social problems. It
results in increase in urban population. Higher rate of urbanization is an indicator of over
population.

 Low Saving & Investment

The rate of saving and investment of GDP are only 9.5% and 13.4% respectively in Pakistan.
Rate of investment and employment is also very low due to low rate of savings. So, these
indicate that Pakistan is over populated.

 Poor Nutrition
People in Pakistan get poor diet, which affects the health and working capacity. It reduces the
per capita income, which is a sign of population explosion .

 Concept of Large Family

Large family size is considered as a source of power to influence people and to control the
persons around them. People feel pride to have a large family.

 Vicious Circle of Poverty

Very high population growth rate reduces the per capita income, saving, investment and
productivity. A country is thus caught up in vicious circle of poverty. Vicious circle of poverty is
also a symbol of over population.

 Universality of Marriage
13

All men and women of marriageable age enter into wedlock. As such the birth rate is higher in
Pakistan.

 Absence of Other Activities

There is absence of recreational facilities and employment opportunities in Pakistan. Time
passing and any other enjoyments in Pakistan are very costly. So, people have a more time to
spend with their wives.

EFFECTS OF OVER POPULATION

 Low per Capital Income
The population growth reduces per capita income of the people because national income is
divided by a big size of population. Per capital income of Pakistan is $ 1254 during 2010-11.

 Unemployment, Under-employment and Disguised-unemployment

It is impossible to provide jobs to such highly growing population in Pakistan. It results in
unemployment, under-employment and disguised-unemployment. Rate of unemployment in
Pakistan is 5.6%.

 Low Growth of Agriculture Sector

Very fast growth rate of population is a pressure on land. It caused to use of agricultural
products at domestic level, increase in the landless workers and shortage of food. Growth rate
of agriculture sector is 1.2%.

 Low saving and Low Investment

The rapidly increasing population increases the expenditure of government. It reduces the
saving and investment. Low level of saving & investment means economic backwardness.
Domestic savings are 9.5% of GDP and total investment is 13.4% of GDP during 2010-11.

 High rate of Inflation

There is more demand for goods due to more population. More demand results in more prices
and inflation in the country. Rate of inflation is 14.1 % in Pakistan.
14

 Pollution
There is not any effective system to control the pollution. Capitalists install industries with
billion dollars of resources but do not install treatment plants of million rupees. The rapid
growth of population creates pollution, unplanned colonies and environment problems.

 Backward Social Infrastructure

Rapidly growing population creates economic and social problems such as housing, education,
health, transport, water, power etc.

 Vicious Circle of Poverty

Very high rate of population growth lowers the per capita income, which caused in low saving
and low investment that result in low rate of capital formation. All this form the vicious circle of
poverty.

 Low Living Standard

Rising population cannot be provided the basic facilities of life in developing countries like
Pakistan. So, rising population means low living standard. About 21 % population is living below
poverty line.

 Adverse Balance of Payment

Over populated nation has to import various items to support a huge population. On the other
hand, their export decreases. Due to over population our balance of payment is unfavorable in
case of Pakistan. At present value of deficit in balance of payment is $ 8.3 billion.

 Reduction in Wage Rate

High growth rate of population is caused in more labor force and unemployment. There is
absence of skill and training that leads to low wage rate.

 Increase in Dependence Ratio

Rapid rise in population growth increases the dependency ratio of unemployed population to
employed population. Labor force is 54.92 million of the population in Pakistan and remaining
population is depending upon them.
15

MEASURES TO CONTROL OVER POPULATION

Following measures are suggested by the people and experts to check the rapidly raising
population:

 Control the Birth Rate

The high birth rate i.e., 2.1% should be discouraged to reduce the population size. Effective and
successful family planning should be introduced.

 Use of Medicines
More contraceptive medicines should be introduced to people. By using these medicines;
people will control the birth rate.

 Late Marriages
Marriages should take place in late age to control the rapidly rising population. It will be helpful
to control the over population.

 Health Centers
Government should open the health clinics in all the regions of the country. These clinics will be
useful for reducing the high birth rate.

 High Literacy Rate

Government should provide the more educational facilities to the backward population. This
will provide the true picture of the economy, resources and population growth rate. Literacy
rate is 57.7% in Pakistan.

 Women Employment
Only 29 % women take an active part in the economic activities in Pakistan. They live full time at
home and have no opportunity cost to have a baby.

 Family Planning
Government should introduce the family planning to the population to control the high growth
rate of population.
16

 Increase in Employment
More employment opportunities must be provided to the young, talented, trained and
educated population. It will be helpful to decrease the fast birth rate.

 Provision of Credit Facilities

Government should provide the easy credit facilities to population to adjust the existing
population in economic activities. It will lead to reduce the population explosion.

 Growth of Small Scale and Cottage Industries

Growth and development of small-scale and cottage industries is also necessary to reduce the
pressure on land. It will provide more jobs to men and also to women.

Conclusion
High growth rate of population creates unfavorable effects on the economic
development in the developing countries like Pakistan. High rate of population growth in
Pakistan means poverty, illiteracy, and low living standard, absence of prosperity and vicious
circle of poverty.

Appendix
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/06/16/pakistans-major-problems-and-
their-solutions/

https://www.jstor.org/topic/population-growth/?refreqid=excelsior
%3Acb7603b4da704f13dc3e36cda83bbc9a

https://www.nap.edu/read/9543/chapter/6

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/50503-population-explosion-%E2%80%94-the-
biggest-problem-after-terrorism

3. Poverty in Pakistan
17

Poverty is the basic problem. Pakistan is a poor country and its economy is facing many
fluctuations. The major problem is the country is poverty which is becoming one of the causes
of crime and social disorder. It is rightly said that poverty anywhere is a threat to internal peace
and stability.

The word poverty derived from Latin word “pauper” means “poor”. Poverty refers to the
condition of not having the means to afford basic human needs such as clean water, nutrition,
health care, clothing and shelter. Poverty is the condition of having fewer resources or less
income than others within a society or country, or compared to worldwide averages. Poverty is
one of the major social problems which Pakistan is facing. It is one of the most important and
sensitive issue not only for Pakistan but for the whole world. Poverty can cause other social
problems like theft, bribe, corruption, adultery, lawlessness, injustice etc.

It is the fundamental duty and responsibility of the country to fulfill the basic needs of
its people. Basic needs of man comprise of shelter, food and clothing. When these needs are
not fulfilled, they bring about problems termed as socio-economic problems. Pakistan has also
been suffering from these problems. The real issue is not the presence of these problems in the
society. But the extent to which they are being paid attention and solved. 

Poverty Condition in Pakistan

Poverty has been one of the biggest problems that Pakistan faces today. It is rightly said
that poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. Nearly 60 per cent of the
population of Pakistan lives in villages. According to an analysis, poverty has increased roughly
18

from 30% to 40% during the past decade. It means that 40 per cent of the country’s population
is earning their livelihood below the poverty line. In such condition people are depressed of
their basic necessities of life. Proper education and medicine are becoming distant from them.
They are forced to think of their survival only of due to poverty and unemployment, parents
instead of sending their children to schools, prefer child labor for them. They make them do so
to support their family and use them as earning hands from the early age.

According to Pakistan’s Planning Commission, poverty rate has jumped from 23.9 to
37.5 percent in the last three years. The commission has estimated that in 2005 there were
35.5 million people living below the poverty line but in 2008 their number increased to over 64
million. Consequently, unemployment has also increased.

Moreover, 40 percent of the urban population lives in slum areas. Reduction in social
sector spending is increasing poverty and has reduced the standard of living in the country.
High inflation, price hike and shortage of commodities have also added to the problem. It is the
hallmark of our macro-economy.

I would like to suggest the following steps to the government to wage a war against
poverty. A massive effort for job creation and employment generation in order to reduce the
high levels of poverty must be launched. Infrastructure development would be an effective tool
to curb the rising ratio of poverty. Housing is another sector which needs to be promoted and
encouraged through a well-planned incentives package. Transportation sector should also be
reactivated. Better law and order situation would be helpful in the restoration of business
activities and to reduce rising poverty.

Definition
A situation in which a person or household lacks the resources necessary to be able to
consume a certain minimum basket of goods. The basket consists either of food, clothing,
housing and other essentials (moderate poverty) or of food alone (extreme poverty). The most
common method used to define poverty is income-based.

Causes/Reasons of poverty in Pakistan

It is difficult to point out all causes of poverty in Pakistan but the major causes of are
given below:

 Government Policies
Government is not well aware of present conditions of country. The policies of
government are based on the suggestions of officials which do not have awareness about the
problems of a common man. After implementation of the policies do not get effective result.
19

After the failure of one policy, government does not consider its failure and announces another
policy without studying the aftermaths of last one. Heavy taxes and unemployment crush the
people and they are forced to live below poverty line. The suitable medical facilities are not
provided to people and they are forced to get treatment for private clinics which are too costly.

 Education

Education sector plays a very vital role in the progress of any country. Unfortunately, the
condition of education sector in Pakistan is very miserable. The lack of quality education our
country is unable of dealing with the challenges of the 21st century. Due to poverty people are
unable to afford quality education for their children. In addition, government’s negligence is
frustrating the situation further. Even though various steps taken by different governments for
the promotion of education, literacy rate lingers at 56% over the decade. Owing to low
investment, government run schools are poor of basic facilities like proper classrooms, water
and sanitation facilities, electricity. Private sector is doing an admirable job in this regard. But
the money-making objective of this sector, education has been beyond poor’s reach. The
primary completion rate in Pakistan given by UNESCO is 33.8 % in females and 47% in males,
which shows that people in the 6th largest country of the world are unable to get the basic
education.
 Overpopulation
Pakistan is facing the dragon of overpopulation. The growth rate of Pakistan is very high and is
among the highest in the world. Since 1947, the population has become more than triple.
Pakistan is almost touching 180 million marks. Population expansion has been a real issue of
concern for all governments. With limited resources it is very difficult to control the growing
population. There is a great economic disparity among the people. Poor are committing suicides
out of hunger while rich are busy in buildup more and more wealth. These social problems
directly affect the masses. The massively increasing population has almost outstripped the
resources in production, facilities and in job opportunities.
 Unemployment
Pakistan is poorly faced with the problem of unemployment. The existing unemployment rate is
15%. Thousands of young doctors, engineers and other educated people are out of job. There
are no opportunities for youth to utilize their capabilities or abilities in right direction. Pakistan
is facing the problem of brain drain due to unemployment because we are unable to utilize
their precious hands in the progress of the country. The most horrible part is that it is rising
every year it will show to be risky for the economy of Pakistan. It has negative impact on
society. It creates frustration and revengeful attitude. It leads to an increase in the incidences of
crimes.
20

 Judiciary System
Justice delayed is justice denied. Timely justice is the core value of a welfare society. It is the
duty of the state to promote justice. But in the case of Pakistan it has always been a day dream
for the poor masses. Since the independence judiciary has been in prison at the hands of
establishment. Weak judiciary has been unable to redress the grievances of the masses. Under
such conditions people choice to violent actions and resolve their issues by extreme methods.
 Poor governance
Owing to poor governance, the government is losing control over law and order situation.
When individuals put themselves in front of institutions, they set a bad example. Suicide
attacks, target killing, robbery and other crimes have become norm of the day. And government
seems helpless in this regard.

 Corruption
Corruption has become a major threat to Pakistani society because of four important reasons.
First, the image of Pakistan has enormously suffered in the past few decades or so as the
corrupt practices while awarding contracts, the launching of foreign funded projects and money
laundering done by high level officials earned a bad name for the country.
In 1996, transparency international a Berlin based civil society organization, rated Pakistan as
the second most corrupt country in the world. The report TI was a source of great shame for
Pakistan was it not shattered the country’s image but also discouraged foreign donors to
support Pakistan in its developmental projects. When the culture of greed resulting into taking
commission from foreign companies and agencies deepened, the trust and confidence of the
world diminished. According to TI’s national corruption perception NCP Survey 2010 there
occurs widespread corruption in Pakistan from 195 billion rupees in 2009 to 223 billion rupees
in 2010.
Some of the most corrupt institutions and areas in Pakistan identified by TI are: police,
power sector, land administration, communications, education, local government, judiciary,
health, taxation and custom. According to TI’s survey, there has taken place manifold increase
in corruption in the present government than the previous one. Neither foreign national nor
over-seas Pakistanis who may be interested in investing in this country are simply discouraged
when they encounter large-scale corruption in the shape of bribery and kickbacks.
 Division of Agricultural Land
Pakistan is an agricultural country. Most of people are farmers by profession. One has land
which is fulfilling the needs of his family but he has to divide the land into his children when
they got young. After division the land is not sufficient to support a family. Now the families of
his children are suffering and spending their lives below poverty line.
21

 Materialism
In our society social bonding are gradually becomes thinner and thinner. A race of material
object has been started even no one tried to understand the problems of others. Everyone is
gradually changing from human to a bioman which only know about his needs and have no
concept about the limitations of others. People are not ready to help each other. At last
everyone has lost his trust on others which affect our social and economic system and it is
another cause of poverty.
 Large Scale Import
The import of Pakistan is greater than export. Big revenue is consumed in importing good every
year, even raw material has to import for industry. If we decrease import and establish own
supply chains from our country natural resources the people will have better opportunities to
earn.
 Law and Order
There are lot of problems regarding law and order. Terrorist attacks create uncertainty in stock
markets and people earning from stock are getting loss due to which the whole country faces
uncertain increase in commodity prices.
 Fluctuated Foreign investment
Foreign investor comes to local markets. They invest millions of dollars in stock markets and
stock market gets rise in index. Then the investor withdraws his money with profit and market
suddenly collapses. The after math always is faced by poor people.
 Privatization
Government is unable to manage the departments and country has low reserve assets. So, the
meet the requirements some companies run by government are sold to foreign investors. The
commodities or services provided by the companies are becoming costly. For example, if
government sold a gas plant then prices for gas in country rises.
 Moral Culture
The main reason for poverty is the social dishonesty and irresponsible behavior of people.
Everyone is trying to get rich by using unfair means. A shop keeper is ready to get whole money
from the pocket of customer. People doing jobs are not performing their duties well. In society
the man considered brave or respectful who do not pay taxes or continuously violate the laws.
This irresponsible behavior continuously increases and produces loss for county.
 Political Instability
Pakistan has been facing political crisis from its birth (1947) till now. From 1947 to 2010,
In this long period many governments changed but unfortunately, they all could not 
Maintain the political environment stable, after ruling 1, 2 or three year that governments
politically instable. Political instability is a situation when the uncertainty among the
government structure expand due to some basic causes and it eventually end up the current
22

government1. Army’s frequent interventions have never given democracy a fair chance to
flourish in our country. Our political leaders are also responsible for this predicament. They
have always tried to achieve their vested interests in the garb of politics. They have never
respected the norms of democracy. Judiciary has also been the victim of such political
instability. That’s why; our country has failed to develop healthy political institutions, a lasting
democracy and impartial judiciary.

Solutions/Remedies to Overcome the Poverty in Pakistan

Policies regarding poverty reduction Marshaled by different government could not calculate the
desire results. Crudely speaking, this is the gravest problem being faced by Pakistani nation, if
not handled with diligent care and implicit faith, will swell and devour the entire mechanism of
the state. For a welfare state to get stronger, policies as regards development of poor strata
should be the top of the checklist’s behold a time when we shall be steadily hauling our
downtrodden economy towards heights, provided that we chalk out such policies that not only
project the welfare of effected spots but also transpose their outlook. I propose following
measures for extermination of this menace

1. Promote industrialization
2.Replacement of the traditional agricultural equipment with new scientific equipment’s in
order to increase the yield.
3. Establishment of justice and equality
4. Equal distribution of resources.
6. Merit should be the upshot strategy in all walks of life.
7. Elimination of discriminatory policies.
6. Controlling of inflation and other economic indicators and regulators.
8. Developing investment friendly environment.
9. Giving more feasibilities and concessions to the foreign investors.
10. Dumping extremism and feudalism.
11. Establishing more and more technical institute in order to get people well skilled.
12. Prevalence of education.
13. Provision of job opportunities

4. Drug Addiction
What are Drugs?
23

Generally speaking drugs are substances that affect the physical and mental condition of
persons significantly and adversely any substance that can lead to addiction, misuse and
dependence is a drug. If drugs are not available, the patient shows critical withdrawal
symptoms when immediate medical care is needed to prevent physical and mental
deterioration, even death.

The Drug Use in Pakistan 2013 Survey Report, a collaborative research by the Narcotics Control
Division, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and the UN, states that there are 7.6 million drug addicts
in the country, out of which 78 percent are men and 22 percent women. Cannabis is the most
commonly used drug in Pakistan, with nearly four million people listed as users. Opiates,
namely opium and heroin, are used by almost one percent of the total drug users, with 860,000
chronic heroin users. The survey showed that an estimated three million drug dependents are
in dire need of professional treatment. However, the available rehabilitation structure cannot
help more than a fraction of those in need of help.

According to a conservative estimate, the rate of increase in the number of drug addicts is
40,000 a year. The most disturbing fact revealed by the survey is the growing number of heroin
addicts in the country with the average age of users falling below 24. The highest levels of use
of heroin were found in areas bordering principal poppy-cultivating areas in the neighboring
Afghanistan.

A recent survey of 10 colleges and two universities of Lahore brought to light some eye-opening
facts related to drug abuse among students. The majority of students surveyed — 57 percent —
reported using one or more drugs. The survey, according to experts, was the first ever attempt
aimed at providing baseline information on the prevalence and patterns of drug use among the
population, especially the youth. According to Cesar Guedes, Representative of UNODC, the
National Drug Use Survey 2013 provided comprehensive data of drug use and drug related HIV
in Pakistan. The data provided in the report formed the baseline for future planning and
designing of drug prevention and treatment programs in Pakistan.

According to the report, men predominantly use cannabis and opiates, whereas women rely on
tranquillizers, sedatives and prescribed amphetamines. Alarmingly, the report also showed high
prevalence (1.6 million) of non-medical use of prescription drugs nationwide, particularly
amongst women. The report found that almost all surveyed women said that over time they
resorted to misusing opioid-based painkillers (morphine etc.), and, to a lesser extent,
tranquilizers and sedatives, which are readily available in pharmacies.

Most of the drugs come from Afghanistan, the country responsible for at least 75 percent of the
world’s heroin production and supply. UNODC calculates that more than 800,000 Pakistanis
aged between 15-64 use heroin regularly. It is also estimated that up to 44 tons of processed
24

heroin are annually consumed annually in Pakistan, a rate of use that is twice or thrice that of
America. A further 110 tons of heroin and morphine from Afghanistan are trafficked through
Pakistan to international markets. According to a conservative estimate, Pakistan’s illegal drug
trade is believed to generate up to two billion dollars a year.

The number of drug users is particularly high in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan,
where close to 11 percent of the population is hooked on drugs. In 2013, the number of drug
users in Baluchistan was 280,000. The number of injection drug users has sharply increased in
recent years. In 2007, Pakistan had an estimated 90,000 injecting drug users, but the number
had risen to around 500,000 by 2014.

This increase has also been accompanied by an increase in HIV positivity. According to research,
in 2005 about 11 percent of Pakistani drug users were HIV positive. That number had risen to
40 percent in 2011.

The survey revealed that the majority of drug addicts usually start with soft drugs like chhaliya,
gutka and pan, and then move to hard drugs like heroin, opium and cocaine, etc. The purchase
of drugs or alcohol by young people is usually through dealers or ‘agents’, who are just a phone
call away. Their numbers are easily exchanged from one person to another. The contact
numbers are also widely distributed throughout hostels, hotels and other places that are
generally hidden from the prying eyes of law enforcement agencies.

The phenomenon of growing drug abuse cannot be viewed in isolation from the prevailing
socio-political and economic realities. Young people are increasingly aware of and resent the
existing setup where corruption, cronyism and financial power are the order of the day. The
young do not want to be a part of this oppressive system, and lacking a viable alternative they
find escape in drugs or terrorism. According to social scientists, political and social upheavals of
the last six decades have played a crucial role in shaping the overall psyche and behavior of the
youth: increasing economic inequality, unemployment, political uncertainty, terrorist attacks,
suicide bombings and endless sectarian and ethnic clashes.

Society’s response to drug abuse and its victims has been poor and inadequate. According to a
survey, treatment and specialist care are in short supply. Treatment is available to less than
30,000 drug users. The survey showed that 64 percent of the respondents reported difficulties
in getting treatment. For an overwhelming majority (80 percent), treatment is unaffordable.
Lack of in-patient facilities in government hospitals was cited as the major deterrent for
treatment by 23 percent of the respondents. 44 percent received treatment for a drug problem
at some stage in their lives, and 96 percent have been treated for heroin addiction.

According to experts, the easiest and most effective solution would be to send addicts to a
rehabilitation Centre. A humanistic form of treatment has been found to be most effective in
25

dealing with drug addicts. But, first of all, awareness and prevention must start at home, with
parents. Parents should be vigilant and keep an eye on the company their children keep and
their activities. Experts recommend that the devastating effects of drugs should be discussed
even at school level, and awareness raising campaigns should be launched, especially through
the electronic media. Secure in the knowledge that they cannot be touched or called to
account, drug cartels ply their trade with impunity. The Anti-Narcotics Force is a federal
executive arm of government tasked with combating drug smuggling and use within Pakistan,
but its scorecard is, at best, mixed. The need is for government agencies to come down hard on
drug cartels, which is the only way to reduce the incidence of drug abuse in the country.

Drug Addiction Symptoms

The addict develops a craving for the drug, and he spends all his efforts procuring it.

• Drug tolerance in users leads to increased dosage of drugs needed to provide the same
degree of enjoyment and kick.

• Without drugs the addict loses his mental and physical abilities to work and enjoy life which is
termed as psychological dependence and physical dependence.

• Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are the
same no matter the substance. The more drugs begin to affect and control person’s life, the
more likely it is that a person has crossed the line from drug use to abuse and drug addiction.
Unfortunately, when a person is in the middle of it, he may be in denial about the magnitude of
the problem or the negative impact it's had on his life.

Reasons for Drug Addiction

In brief the reasons determined through research, include:

• Curiosity and excitement through use

• Despair and frustration among the youth

• Some patients are addicts because they try to follow the western culture of drugs and
enjoyment of life.

• All drug addicts in our country are afraid of social stigma more than the threat from the law.

The Dangers and Destruction Caused by Drugs

26

The addicts lose their professional and educational capabilities, self-dignity, and get involved in
serious or petty criminal activities. The sole aim in life of an addict becomes the procurement
and use of drugs. Other aims and objectives in life are thrown by the roadside. Besides, dread
diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS can easily attack drug addicts through use of injectable
drugs. In our country, heroin is mostly smoked within aluminum foil or cigarette paper, but in
other countries this is injected. These are extremely dangerous drugs and increases addiction
manifold. Injections through infected needles can cause diseases of the liver, brain, heart, lungs
and spinal cord. Normal medication also interacts with heroin and cause many complications,
which many addicts do now know about. Such interactions may also cause e death. Heroin
addiction lowers mental enthusiasm and efforts and physical ability the addict loses contact
with normal society and becomes self and drug- centered. He engages in all types of activities
to obtain money to buy drugs. A Heroin addict may need about Taka 500 worth of the drug a
day. He neglects the needs of the family, and those are non-earning may sell off family assets.
They also go out on the streets for mugging and dacoit.

Causes of Drug Addiction

The causes of drug addiction are many, but some are actually easy to pick out long before
substance abuse even begins. Why are some people able to resist drugs even when those
around them abuse, while others seek out drugs even if they are not readily available? Are
there predictors as to who will abuse substances and who will remain sober? Scientists
evaluating drug use and abuse have come up with some interesting observations. Drug
addiction is an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol despite the negative
consequences that may follow. It can affect people of any age, sex or economic status.
Obviously, the primary cause of drug abuse is use of drugs, but the predictors that seem to
make certain people more susceptible to drug addiction are as follow;

 Exposure from Peers

If you are exposed to drugs in the teenage years, you are more likely to use and abuse drugs
than those who are not exposed.

 Use by Parents
If parents use drugs, their children are more likely to use drugs, even if the parents say not to.
Children of even strict parents who threaten severe consequences are more likely to use if their
parents use than the children of parents who do not use. This applies to drugs, alcohol and
nicotine.

 Availability
27

If drugs are easily available, addiction is much more likely than if drugs are difficult to come by.

 Genetics
Certain genetic predispositions appear to weaken a person's ability to resist substance abuse.
This can sometimes be seen in what is sometimes termed as an "addictive personality,"
reflected by the fact that this person seems to latch on to new experiences with addictive
enthusiasm, as if that new experience is the most important thing. People who struggle with
one addiction often struggle with multiple addictions. They are also more susceptible to taking
on a new addiction if they overcome one addiction.

 Poor Family Environment

Teens from broken homes or with poor parent-child bonds are more likely to use and abuse
substances. Psychological Problems: People with psychological problems are more susceptible
to drug addiction than mentally healthy individuals.

 Personality
Children who are aggressive or shy-aggressive are most likely to use and abuse substances
when they get older.

 Feelings of Depression
Those who suffer from depression or feelings of loneliness may be more inclined to become
addicted to drugs, as drugs may numb the emotional pain they feel. While the drug is only a
short-term fix for such a long-term problem, the person fails to view it as such and continues
turning to drugs as a means of feeling better, if only for a few moments.

 Lack of Parental Involvement

Teens that are left unsupervised are at an increased risk for drug addiction versus those whose
parents are fully active in their lives. That may be due to a feeling of complete freedom that
they full advantage of, or may be due to feeling neglected and unloved by their parents. Those
feelings can result in turning to friends who lead them down the road of addiction.

 High level sports competition

Top level athletes use drugs to boost their performance. Amphetamines eliminate or reduce
pain allowing the injured sportsperson to play. Steroids are used for muscle building.

 Prescription drugs
28

The affected person takes higher doses than prescribed, more frequently than prescribed and
continues taking it even after his medical condition is cured. The reason is that these drugs if
consumed in larger quantities provide greater relief.

 Job stress
Pressure at work, a ruthless boss, bad relations with one’s colleagues and the danger of losing
one’s job are factors.

 Marital problems
Bad relations with one’s spouse, house fights, infidelity and divorce cause emotional
disturbance. Drugs are a way of reducing distress.

 Curiosity and the urge to experiment

One may want to experience a "high" or want to know how it feels. This could be the starting of
drug addiction.

 Financial difficulties
These cause great stress in the mind. Drugs are a route to escapism.

 Poor self-esteem
This leads to depression and probably consequent drug abuse.

 Loss of a loved one

Bereavement leads to feeling of emptiness and emotional distress. A person may resort to
drugs for combating this situation.

 Loneliness
An isolated individual tries to compensate of the lack of a social network by taking drugs.

 Low cost and easy access to drugs

This increases drug consumption.

 Mental illnesses
29

The affected person is generally depressed and takes drugs to alleviate the sorrowful feelings.

 Anxiety
Sometimes people need some help coping with life. Everyday life becomes a struggle and
simple things become too much to handle. Drugs are used to deal with it. In the case of
addiction, we are not talking about the use of medication, under the care and observation of a
doctor. People who have been clinically diagnosed with anxiety can lead a very good life. We’re
talking here about people who just need to escape. Their drug of choice facilitates that escape.

Effects of Drug Addiction

In addition to these lifestyle changes, Drug Abuse can have serious short- and long-term
medical effects, among which are:

• Dangerously increased heart rate and blood pressure

• Hepatitis or AIDS through shared needles

• Violent, erratic, or paranoid behavior and hallucinations

• Clinical depression

• Sleeplessness and tremors

• Liver, lung, and kidney impairment

• Sudden death (from misuse of inhalants, or from heart attack or stroke)

Remedial Measures for Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a rising menace which surfaced in the olden times. The deterioration of
physical as well as mental health saw no boundaries. This led to drug addiction being
considered as an international health crisis. While drug addictions can be grouped into various
categories, the main abuses which drug addicts are habitual of administering include smoke
related drugs, alcohols and banned substances which can either be chewed or directly injected
into the bloodstream of the individual. Drug addiction is a brain disease that occurs secondary
to substance abuse, in much the same way hypertension occurs secondary to overeating and
obesity. Drug abuse hijacks the brain's dopamine system, which normally produces feelings of
pleasure in response to spending time with friends and doing fulfilling activities. The brain
releases dopamine to reinforce behaviors, but drugs cause large amounts of dopamine to be
30

released quickly, reinforcing only drug use. Addicts end up being unable to enjoy normal
relationships, work and leisure pastimes. Methods of recovery from addiction to drugs vary
according to the drugs involved and the needs of the individual. Recovery offers some of these
solutions.

Initiation Point
What makes one fall for the need of taking drugs? Well for some it might be a part of adventure
in the company of some bad friends. But in most cases the attraction towards a particular illicit
drug begins from some crisis in life. Loneliness, depression and frustration can easily draw the
attention towards drugs. The drugs give a certain psychological relief as they directly react on
nerves and make a person inert from all sorts of pain for a time being. But the action doesn't
stop here. This is the point from where the use of drugs takes the shape of abuse and the more,
he become dependent on it. The beginning often poses to be very relaxing without any harm to
a body. But as a person proceed with the increasing number of intake of drugs the ill reactions
begin and urge takes an enticing state.

Intervention
Interventions that focus the determination of loved ones to stop enabling addictive behaviors
can have the same effect as the court system because they pressure the addict to get help. The
severity of the problem’s drugs cause in the life is a part of addictive disease. Bringing the body
to treatment is a strategy to get the mind to follow. Once a person admits, he has a problem
with drugs, recovery begins.

Lowering the brain's activity

Once a person becomes prone to use a particular drug, gradually his brain and the entire
nervous system start becoming inactive. He tends to lose the rational position and thinking. The
effects reflect through the behavior, actions, body language, physical stability and his way of
talking, walking and overall personality. He will ultimately lead a life isolated from every social
aspect and feel dejected with everything.

Relapse
At various points on the road to recovery, addicts might relapse. In most cases, relapse does
not mean that recovery efforts have been ineffective or that treatment has failed. Chemical
dependency creates changes in the brain that make users vulnerable to relapse.

Time Frame
31

Addicts in recovery must learn to stop using drugs and deal with stressful situations in the
family, at work and in society while maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. Because addiction is a
chronic disease, addicts cannot simply stop using drugs for a few weeks and be cured. Most
addicts require long-term treatment and the social support of others who are in recovery.

Stepping out
Get help from a rehabilitation center because it can provide a suitable program for the cure of a
drug addict. If the addiction level is at the point of initiation, the treatment procedure is not
that tough. The success can also be easily gained. A few sittings of psychological therapies along
with guidance and counseling can treat well in such cases. But for chronic addicts it takes a
longer time with detoxification, counseling, medication and other relevant aspects of
treatment. The process can also take over a year. Still a person can look forward to get cured.

Drug Addiction Rehab Is Not A Permanent Solution

While most people are under the impression that drug addiction can be treated through the
means of a drug addiction rehab, the truth is that a rehab center can only provide a temporary
relief to your problems. There is no doubt that the patient would never be allowed to either
smoke or drink while he/she is inside the rehab center, the moment he/she steps out, he/she
would be back to his/her normal habits. Drug addiction help through the means of a rehab
center is not permanent. It is like a jail which keeps a convict under control for a specified time
period. After the period is over, the convict is back doing what he does best- committing crimes.

Conclusion
The main elements in combating Drug addiction include measures to control availability and
use of drugs, treatment of withdrawal symptoms, and restoration of social moral and religious
values. To prevent re-addiction in patients, innovative treatment containing medical, social and
religious aspects have to be put in place. Easy availability of treatment will ensure the
elimination of this socially and physically dreaded disease. Treatment of addiction in our
country is still not in a hopeful stage. Some unqualified and unscrupulous people are engaged in
making money out of this affliction with mushrooming organizations and signboards, which
confuse the patients. Such institutions do not have doctors. Others falsely advertise the
availability of services and doctors form abroad. Such doctors even if available cannot be very
effective, unless they are truly knowledgeable about our social, cultural and economic
environment. It is time that experienced and qualified doctors and health professionals come to
the aid of the addict in our society, and give genuine and prolonged treatment and care.

Appendix
32

https://www.helpguide.org/

http://www.articlesbase.com/drug-addiction-top-4-ways-to-treat-drug-addicts-
803037.html

5. Environmental Pollution
Pollution is a major environmental problem in the most developing as well as developed
countries. Most of these countries such as U.S have been quite successful in solving these
problems by passing out certain environmental laws and producing alternative to such sources
which cause a lot of pollution such as coal and oil power stations. There are also laws which
make sure that the waste from the industries is being disposed of correctly and is not any way
harmful to the environment. However, in Pakistan the pollution problems have been rising
since it got its independence. Very few people have concern about the negative effects of
pollution on themselves as well as their environment. Hence this problem is increasing day by
day which may lead in the destruction of our national environment as well as our own. In
Pakistan there are three major sources of pollution.

Sources of Pollution
1. Air Pollution
2. Water Pollution
3. Land pollution
4. Noise Pollution
5. Radioactive pollution
6. Thermal/ Heat pollution
7. Light Pollution

Air Pollution
In Pakistan the most common source of air pollution is mainly vehicles whose exhaust
fumes pollute the air. Unlike other developed countries where there are catalyst converters and
efficient vehicles which may cause less pollution, the situation in Pakistan is totally opposite. As
most of the people are poor, they don’t have enough money to repair or spend money on their
vehicles so that they become environment friendly. Even the car manufacturers don’t make
their cars much environment friendly and the people are forced to buy these cars. More fuel is
burned as most roads of Pakistan are broken and there are a lot of traffic jams which increases
the journey time. Many industries in big cities such as Karachi and Lahore give out harmful
pollutants such as Sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The government and the authorities
33

take little concern about these industries. As a result of this the sky of Lahore and Karachi are
covered with thick smog. This may lead to many respiratory diseases and may also be harmful
to the animals living in such places. Even in Islamabad, the cleanest city in Pakistan I could see
thick smog over the city from the Margalla hills and while traveling to Murree there was so
much of exhaust fumes from vehicles that we had to keep our car windows closed.

Water Pollution
34

This is a major problem in Pakistan. There are many sources of water pollution in
Pakistan. Most of them are found in Karachi as it is an area of industries. Although it is a
government policy to filter the industrial water and then release it into the sea many industries
here are dumping contaminated water in seas thereby increasing the threat of extinction of
marine life as well as polluting the water. Almost the whole of city’s sewerage is dumped into
rivers and the sea. As a result of this Karachi is facing many problems in the access of clean
water and most parts of the city are still without water. Even in my home we get 2 small
tankers weekly as there is no water in the supply. The oil spill incident has increased the
amount of pollution in the sea as well as has caused most of the beaches to be polluted. It is
said that the oil spill disaster from Tasman Spirit has killed hundreds and thousands of fishes as
well as destroyed much of the marine life. It has also caused eye infections and respiratory
problems to those living near the sea. Further leakages in pipelines have polluted the clean
water which we have so little of.

Land Pollution
35

As Pakistan is not a rich country, it doesn’t have enough money to spend on waste
disposal systems. As a result, most of the home waste and other kinds of wastage is usually
thrown away on empty plots next to the houses and is then burned which may be harmful to
the people living in the area. Only less than 5% of the waste is recycled and most of it is
disposed directly on the ground. There are only a few garbage cans along the roads so people
living far away have to dispose of their waste somewhere else. This attracts flies which then
spread diseases. Apart from this, the rubbish thrown would disintegrate in 1000 years from
now. Hence an increase in land pollution may in turn slowly destroy our natural environment
which is already at risk.

Noise Pollution
It is caused when noise which is an unpleasant sound affects our ears and leads to
psychological problems like stress, hypertension, hearing impairment, etc. It is caused by
machines in industries, loud music, etc.

Radioactive Pollution
It is highly dangerous when it occurs. It can occur due to nuclear plant malfunctions,
improper nuclear waste disposal, accidents, etc. It causes cancer, infertility, blindness, and
defects at the time of birth; can sterilize soil and affect air and water.

Thermal/heat Pollution
It is due to the excess heat in the environment creating unwanted changes over long time
periods; due to huge number of industrial plants, deforestation and air pollution. It increases
the earth’s temperature, causing drastic climatic changes and extinction of wildlife.
36

Light Pollution
It occurs due to prominent excess illumination of an area. It is largely visible in big cities,
on advertising boards and billboards, in sports or entertainment events at the night. In
residential areas the lives of the inhabitants are greatly affected by this. It also affects the
astronomical observations and activities by making the stars almost invisible.

SOLUTIONS TO THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS

Here are a few solutions to the pollution problems faced by Pakistan:

1. Air Pollution

Instead of using private cars we must use public transport more often and walk for short
distances. There should be a greenbelt constructed in big cities such as Karachi. The trees in the
green belt would reduce the number of fumes in the air and give out clean oxygen.
We should use unleaded petrol in our vehicles. It is already available at most petrol stations.
Unleaded petrol is more efficient for the car and is less harmful to the environment. Most of
the leading car manufacturers should install catalyst converters in them.

2. Water Pollution

a) The factory waste should be first filtered and then disposed properly into sea or river. If this
is not done, then the government should take legal action against them.
b) Instead of using clean water, we can use the filtered industrial water for flushing toilets,
watering the plants and washing the cars.
c) The government should ask the local citizens for proper beach cleaning once in a year.
Besides it should also fine those people who throw their waste into the sea or river.
d) There must be a regular cleaning of all the canals and channels by the government workers.
e) The government should pass strict environmental laws concerning oil spill.
f) We must all cooperate with one another to save our marine life as much as possible.

3. Land Pollution

a) Instead of throwing all our rubbish away we can give some of it for recycling such as old
newspapers etc. we must also reuse polythene bags for other purposes such as for carrying
things.
b) There must be a landfill area where all the rubbish can be disposed of. There must also be
incinerators where the remaining garbage can be burned.
c) The government should place garbage cans and bins in many places so that people can throw
37

their rubbish there.

d) We can play a part by throwing plastic wrappers and other kinds of waste into the garbage
cans and not on the roads.
e) We can also help by keeping our environment around us clean as well as educating others to
do so.
f) All the shop keepers must use paper bags instead of polythene ones. These are more
environments friendly and can be recycled.

6. Divorce
Home is ideally a place where a person receives protection and psychological satisfaction.
Everyone needs this love and sense of security; without it one’s daily life problems would seem
burdens too big to bear. Marriage is a legal bond which brings responsibilities to both partners,
and divorce is the legal termination of that bond. When a married couple cannot live together
comfortably the dissolution of marriage is called ‘divorce’.

Divorce is a major ethical and social issue of the world. It separates couples and ends marriages.
Islam asks to avoid it as much as possible. Divorce rates are climbing through the roof these
days. Research shows at least 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce in America. If the
current ratios continue the world over, this trend can also hit Pakistan. The divorce rate in
Pakistan has increased, due in general terms to people not fully realizing their marital
responsibility. In 2010 in Karachi, a total of 40,410 divorce cases were reported in court. In
Pakistani social circles, a divorce supposedly brings shame to the family and becomes the
defining aspect of the individuals involved. During 2016, more than 10,000 cases of divorce
were registered in Lahore alone and most of those marriages were “Love Marriages”. I guess
love doesn’t have a way around in Pakistan.
38

Causes of Divorce
Divorce has many causes, just in the same way it has many effects.

Financial Issues
Financial issues are one of the main reasons of divorce. Financial problems, like unemployment
or low income, can hurt marriages. Couples can become habitual of using financial resources
beyond their reach or can fall a victim of excessive spending. These factors can cause
disagreements between them. Unemployment causes depression, panic, anxiety, blame, fear,
and the worse of all, feeling of helplessness. Blaming the unemployed spouse for the issue can
collapse a marriage. Unequal financial position is another financial issue. Money or aspects
related to it is a possible cause of disagreement between couples married couple could conflict
over such issues as shared financial responsibility.

Communication Problems
According to the research, not all marriages fail for the same reasons. Communication is also
one of the problems between couples. This may happen even before the marriage. Couples
may not communicate with each other because of various issues that each individual may be
experiencing or if the expectations are not clear from the beginning of a relationship.
Sometimes it happens immediately after the marriage due to ego or hesitation. A marriage
cannot work when the lines of communication fails one cannot have effective relationship if
either one of the spouses won’t discuss his or her feelings cannot talk about his personal issue
and expect his partner to goes what the whole problem is about. Talking about your feelings in
a marriage is important because then you can figure out exactly how to improve a relationship.
Feelings left unaddressed can fail a marriage. Also, if a couple does not communicate pre-
marital issues before marriage, they will realize during the marriage that things should have
been settled up before. These issues can get worse with time. But this type of understanding is
usually not found in Pakistani society.

Love &Teenage Marriages

The third major reason for divorce is love and teenage marriages. People in love can make
irrational decisions unsuitable to their conditions. This type of marriage is not, mostly, socially
acceptable in Pakistan. We live in a society and we must follow the norms and traditions of a
society. Divorce affects the couples, their children, their families and the society in general. It
should be avoided as much as possible by following the norms and traditions of the society we
live in.
39

Forms of Abuse
There are many forms of abuse all of which are possible causes of divorce: this does not just
include intentional and habitual, physical abuse, it may also come in the form of emotional
abuse one partner may actively seek to degrade his or her partner through harsh language.

Incompatibility
This is one of the causes of divorce there are many kinds and forms of incapability of couple
may be incompatible in anything and everything they may not be able to find a common
ground.

Effects of Divorce
There are many areas where man and woman are affected by divorce with more than 30 years
of research now it is known that most rarely lead to a better life. Life expectancies (maximum
age) for divorce man and women are significantly lower than for married people who have the
longest life expectancies.

Divorce can result in social isolation as readjustment to a new role may prove difficult. Financial
constraints often follow divorce, particularly for women who are left with children to rise and
little or no support system. In our culture even the word divorce bears a stigma. In society
divorcees must put up with quick and loud judgments about their character. Not only is the
divorced couple personally affected, but children of broken homes are at risk of developing
mental health problems. A research was conducted at University of the Punjab, Lahore to see
the effects of parental conflicts on child’s self-esteem. They found that warm and nurturing
parents had children with high self-esteem.

In Pakistan, women are more vulnerable to depression due to uncertainties about the future
being less socioeconomically stable than men. A research study in Lahore showed that women
who were divorced experienced more social interaction anxiety, depression and higher level of
anger as compared to married women. The findings also showed that the extent of social
support predicts depression and loneliness. Insomnia, loss of appetite and inability to focus on
work are other effects.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE THE DIVORCE RATE IN

PAKISTAN?
There has been a substantial rise in the divorce rate in almost every part of the world in the last
decade or so, especially in Pakistan. The question that comes to mind is that what can be done
about it? The consequences of divorce are bad, although some people believe otherwise.
40

According to some people, staying in a bad marriage is worse than taking a divorce. Studies
being done today suggest that divorce can have a lasting impact on your health.

Firstly, commitment is a very important thing. Marriage is not an easy task, and so one must
take some time to get to know the other person. If marriage takes place after a very short time
period of meeting and getting to know each other, some very crucial details about one another
can be overlooked. Therefore, to reduce this risk, decisions should not be made in a hurry and
more time should be spent in getting to know the person better. Showing tolerance towards
each other is also very important. Patience is the key to any successful marriage.

Forced marriages and early marriages are a reality in Pakistan thus, this needs to be stopped.
Marriage is a big decision in one’s life, and should be taken, only when one is mature enough to
handle all that comes with it. Compromise is very important, and without it no marriage can
succeed. Nowadays, individuals are impatient and this leads to the end of relationships.
Compromise can reduce such a thing from occurring. Status needs to be talked about here.
Today, we see that people of different classes are marrying each other. Is this really good?

Disparities are created leading to problems in the long run. Thus, it is recommended that you
marry in a class that is similar to yours. This would lower the divorce rate. Too much of a third-
party influence is also one reason why couples end up wanting a divorce. Couples should be
able to sort out issues on their own, rather than having someone else cause problems in their
lives. At times, the reason for a divorce is also because women don’t take family life seriously,
because of their own careers. If this can be looked into, many marriages would not break. Men
too, in some cases have the same issue. Although, they are the ones who earn for the family,
but still they need to give time and attention to it. A feeling of superiority towards the spouse is
another factor that causes problems between the couple. This can be from either side. Divorce
can be reduced by correcting this. Lack of privacy also causes divorce. In joint family systems,
there is little privacy, which can cause problems between the couple. Many couples choose to
live in such a setup because, either they cannot afford to live separately or the husband does
not wish to leave his family. If the option is there, one should live separately which would cause
less problems, and hence less chances of divorce.

Basically, all the ‘causes’ of divorce should be looked into and corrected. That is the only way, in
which the divorce rate can come down. As I see it, there is only one solution and that is
‘Compromise and Sacrifice for each other.’ This will only lead to a happy marriage. Divorce is
something that leaves a huge impact in your life. The consequences are bad. It is taken when
one has no other option left. Working on your ties is important. A subtle factor which is
contributing its share is the glamorous world, where everyone is hunting for his or her ideal.
This factor led us away from the facts of real life. That is why, while knowing all the
disadvantages of divorce, people go with it. Globally speaking our world cannot afford gender
41

imbalance which comes as a result of divorce. Wedlock is not a compulsion but should be the
relation of souls. Mutual tolerance and compromise between husband and wife can play a vital
role in lowering the rate of divorce in Pakistan.

Conclusion
There are two sides of the divorce issue and while the negative side of how divorce affects
children out weights the positive side, it is generally agreed that children are better off in a
single parent home than in the constant turmoil of an abusive but intact family. There has,
however, been very little evidence to support the argument that divorce is an advantage to
children.

Appendix
https://nayyab.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/pakistan-divorce-rate-increasing-why/

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/01/12/the-issue-of-divorce-in-pakistan/

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-divorce-rate-in-Pakistan

http://blogs.jpmsonline.com/2017/01/26/rising-divorce-rates-in-pakistan-its-impact-on-the-
individual-and-society/

7. Poor Standards of Education

Education system of Pakistan

The education system of Pakistan is comprised of 260,903 institutions and is facilitating

41,018,384 students with the help of 1,535,461 teachers. The system includes 180,846 public
institutions and 80,057 private institutions. Hence 31% educational institutes are run by private
sector while 69% are public institutes.

Analysis of education system in Pakistan

Pakistan has expressed its commitment to promote education and literacy in the
country by education policies at domestic level and getting involved into international
commitments on education. In this regard national education policies are the visions which
suggest strategies to increase literacy rate, capacity building, and enhance facilities in the
42

schools and educational institutes. MDGs and EFA programs are global commitments of
Pakistan for the promotion of literacy.

A review of the education system of Pakistan suggests that there has been little change
in Pakistan’s schools since 2010, when the 18th Amendment enshrined education as a
fundamental human right in the constitution. Problems of access, quality, infrastructure and
inequality of opportunity, remain endemic.

Problems in Education of Pakistan

Education is considered as the cheapest defense of a nation. But the down trodden
condition of education in Pakistan bears an ample testimony of the fact that it is unable to
defend its own sector. Though 62 years have been passed and 23 policies and action plans
have been introduced yet the educational sector is waiting for an arrival of a savior. The
government of Pervaiz Musharraf invested heavily in education sector and that era saw a
visible positive educational change in Pakistani society. Now days, the economic situation
in Pakistan is under stress and education is the worse effected sector in Pakistan. The
Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan says,

“The state of Pakistan shall remove illiteracy and provide free and
compulsory secondary education within minimum possible period.”

In Human development Report Pakistan is placed at 136th position for having just
49.9%educated populace. The primary completion rate in Pakistan, given by Date Center
of UNESCO, is 33.8% in females and 47.18% in males, which shows that people in the 6th
largest country of the world are unable to get the basic education.

Problems

The issues lead to the comprehension of the problems which are faced in the
development of education system and promotion of literacy. The study outlines seven major
problems such as:

 Lack of Proper Planning: 

Pakistan is a signatory to MDGs and EFA goals. However, it seems that it will not be able
to achieve these international commitments because of financial management issues and
constraints to achieve the MDGs and EFA goals.
43

 Social Constraints

It is important to realize that the problems which hinder the provision of education are
not just due to issues of management by government but some of them are deeply rooted in
the social and cultural orientation of the people. Overcoming the latter is difficult and would
require a change in attitude of the people, until then universal primary education is difficult to
achieve.

 Gender Gap

Major factors that hinder enrolment rates of girls include poverty, cultural constraints,
illiteracy of parents and parental concerns about safety and mobility of their daughters.
Society’s emphasis on girl’s modesty, protection and early marriages may limit family’s
willingness to send them to school. Enrolment of rural girls is 45% lower than that of urban
girls; while for boys the difference is 10% only, showing that gender gap is an important factor.

 Cost of Education

 The economic cost is higher in private schools, but these are located in richer
settlements only. The paradox is that private schools are better but not everywhere and
government schools ensure equitable access but do not provide quality education.

 War on Terror

Pakistan’s engagement in war against terrorism also affected the promotion of literacy
campaign. The militants targeted schools and students; several educational institutions were
blown up, teachers and students were killed in Baluchistan, KPK and FATA. This may have to
contribute not as much as other factors, but this remains an important factor.

 Funds for Education

Pakistan spends 2.4% GDP on education. At national level, 89% education expenditure
comprises of current expenses such as teachers’ salaries, while only 11% comprises of
development expenditure which is not sufficient to raise quality of education.
44

 Technical Education

 Sufficient attention has not been paid to the technical and vocational education in
Pakistan. The number of technical and vocational training institutes is not sufficient and many
are deprived of infrastructure, teachers and tools for training. The population of a state is one
of the main elements of its national power. It can become an asset once it is skilled. Unskilled
population means more jobless people in the country, which affects the national development
negatively. Therefore, technical education needs priority handling by the government.

Poverty, law and order situation, natural disasters, budgetary constraints, lack of access, poor
quality, equity, and governance have also contributed in less enrolments.

Education System is based on;

Unequal Lines

The educational system of Pakistan is based on unequal lines. Medium of education

is different in both, public and private sector. This creates a sort of disparity among
people, dividing them into two segments.

Regional Disparity

Regional disparity is also a major cause. The schools in Baluchistan (The Largest
Province of Pakistan By Area) are not that much groomed as that of Punjab (The Largest
Province of Pakistan By Population). In FATA, the literacy rate is deplorable constituting
29.5% in males and 3% in females.

Ratio of Gender Discrimination

The ratio of gender discrimination is a cause which is projecting the primary school
ratio of boys & girls which is10:4 respectively. For the last few years there has been an
increase in the growth of private schools. That not only harms the quality of education but
creates a gap among haves and has not.

Lack of Technical Education

The lack of technical education is a biggest flaw in the educational policy that has
never been focused before. Therefore, less technical people mean less.
45

Funds

The allocation of funds for education is very low. It is only 1.5 to 2.0 percent of the
total GDP. It should be around 7% of the total GDP.

Untrained Teachers

The teachers in government schools are not well trained. People who do not get
job in any other sector, they try their luck in educational system. They are not
professionally trained teachers so they are unable to train a nation.

Poverty

Poverty is also another factor that restricts the parents to send their children to
public or private schools. So, they prefer to send their children to madrassas where
education is totally free.

Recently, minister of education announced a new Education policy for that next 10
years. The interesting thing is that the previous educational policy from 1998 to 2010 is
still not expired. It is said in this policy that all the public schools will be raised up to the
level of private schools. No plan of action has been discussed, yet a notice is issued to
private schools to induct government course in 5th and 8th class and these classes will
bound to take board exams. This disturbed the students of private sector also.

Solutions to the Poor Standard of Education

There is a need for implementation of national education policy and vision 2030
education goals. An analysis of education policy suggests that at the policy level there are
several admirable ideas, but practically there are some shortcomings also.

It may not be possible for the government at the moment to implement uniform
education system in the country, but a uniform curriculum can be introduced in educational
institutes of the country. This will provide equal opportunity to the students of rural areas to
compete with students of urban areas in the job market.

Since majority of Pakistani population resides in rural areas and the access to education
is a major problem for them, it seems feasible that a balanced approach for formal and informal
education be adopted. Government as well as non-government sector should work together to
promote education in rural areas.
46

The government should take measures to get school buildings vacated which are occupied by
feudal lords of Sindh, Baluchistan and Punjab. Efforts should be made to ensure that proper
education is provided in those schools.

The federal government is paying attention to the vocational and technical training, but
it is important to make the already existing vocational and technical training centers more
efficient so that skilled youth could be produced.

Since education is a provincial subject, the provincial education secretariats need to be

strengthened. Special policy planning units should be established in provinces’ education
departments for implementation of educational policies and formulation of new policies
whenever needed. The provincial education departments need to work out financial resources
required for realizing the compliance of Article 25-A.

Federal Government should play a supportive role vis-à-vis the provinces for the early
compliance of the constitutional obligation laid down in Article 25-A. Special grants can be
provided to the provinces where the literacy rate is low.

Pakistan is not the only country which is facing challenges regarding promotion of
literacy and meeting EFA and MDGs commitments. Education remains a subject which is paid
least attention in the whole South Asian region. UNDP report 2014 suggests that there has been
an improvement in other elements of human development such as life expectancy, per capita
income and human development index value (in past 3 years); but there has been no progress
in the number of schooling years. The expected average for years of schooling in 2010 was 10.6
years but the actual average of schooling remained 4.7 for all South Asian countries. In the year
2013 the expected average of number of years increased to 11.2 but the actual average of
years of schooling of South Asian countries remained 4.7.  Regional cooperation mechanism can
also be developed to promote literacy in South Asian region. Sharing success stories, making
country-specific modifications and their implementation can generate positive results.

8. Human Migration
Migration is a way to move from one place to another in order to live and work. Movement of
people from their home to another city, state or country for a job, shelter or some other reasons is
called migration.
INTRODUCTION
Pakistan came into existence in 1947, so documentation of the life of Pakistani Britons
technically can only start from that year. However, Muslim immigrants from the part of British
47

India now known as Pakistan entered the British Isles as early as the mid-seventeenth century.
British Pakistanis (also Pakistani Britons) are citizens of the United Kingdom whose ancestral
roots lie in Pakistan. The UK has the second largest overseas Pakistani population after Saudi
Arabia. Pakistanis make up a large subgroup of British Asians largely due to historical and
colonial links and Pakistan still being part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The British
Pakistani population is very diverse and differs from region to region. British Pakistanis are
victims of the North-South divide in Britain. This means that in London and the South East, the
community is socially mobile and Educational achievement is on or above national averages.
While in the West Midlands and the North of England, the community has generally suffered
from a decline in the manufacturing industry and the change to a service economy. Later
generations, however, are being taught relevant skills to work within a service-based economy
and as such are making good progress particularly within the Sciences. Apart from those who
came from rural areas, a considerable number of Pakistanis arrived from cities and towns in the
1960s. Many of these were qualified Teachers, Doctors and Engineers and they had a
predisposition to settle in London, as opposed to the Midlands or the North.

Population
According to the 2001 UK Census, 747,285 Pakistanis were residing in the UK and by most
recent estimates the figure has increased to well over 1,000,000. This represents 1.5% of the
UK's total population and makes it the world's second largest overseas Pakistani community.
The largest population is located in the West Midlands. There are a 100,000 Pashtu’s in the UK,
the vast majority of who are Pakistani Pashtu’s. Mirpuris from Mirpur District in Azad Kashmir
make up 60-70% of the British Pakistani population and they mainly reside in Birmingham,
Bradford, Oldham and surrounding towns. Apart from Midlands and the North, where those
from Azad Kashmir make up more than 85% of the Pakistanis, similarly high levels of those from
Azad Kashmir are also found in Luton and Slough.
Religion
The majority 92% of Pakistanis in the UK are Muslims (mainly Sunni), however there is a
sizeable minority of Shia Muslims as well as some Christians (around 8,000 people), and a few
Hindus and Sikhs throughout some communities.
Radicalization in Pakistan
Pakistan has enormous importance due to her strategic location; her being the front-line state
during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979-1988), and now a front line of defense and a
staunch ally of the Allied Nations in the global war on terror. Pakistan has tremendous human
and natural resources, excellent minds and brains, beautiful historical places, arts and
literature, and has been contributing to the world peace and progress through various
international forums, like UN and its Agencies, OIC, SAARC and other international
organizations of which Pakistan is a member.
48

Causes of Migration
Nowadays, many people decide to migrate to have a better life. Employment opportunities are the
most common reason due to which people migrate. Except this, lack of opportunities, better
education, construction of dams, globalization, natural disaster (flood and drought) and sometimes
crop failure forced villagers to migrate to cities.
Migrants

People who move from one place to another in search of work or shelter are called migrants. 
Most of the times migrants’ people are not skilled or educated therefore they usually employed as
daily wagers (workers who are paid at the end of each day, for their services). Daily wagers do not
get enough money for the survival of their families and suffering from many problems such as they
do not have enough food to eat, sanitation, hygiene, a proper place to live etc.

Effects of Migration

Migration is becoming a very important subject for the life of cities. Many opportunities and
attraction of big cities pull large numbers of people to big cities. Migration can have positive as
well as negative effects on the life of the migrants.

Positive Effects

 Unemployment is reduced and people get better job opportunities.

 Migration helps in improving the quality of life of people.

 It helps to improve social life of people as they learn about new culture, customs, and
languages which help to improve brotherhood among people.

 Migration of skilled workers leads to a greater economic growth of the region.

 Children get better opportunities for higher education.

 The population density is reduced and the birth rate decreases.

Negative Impact

 The loss of a person from rural areas, impact on the level of output and development of
rural areas.
49

 The influx of workers in urban areas increases competition for the job, houses, school
facilities etc.

 Having large population puts too much pressure on natural resources, amenities and
services.

 It is difficult for a villager to survive in urban areas because in urban areas there is no
natural environment and pure air. They have to pay for each and everything.

 Migration changes the population of a place; therefore, the distribution of the population
is uneven in India.

 Many migrants are completely illiterate and uneducated; therefore, they are not only
unfit for most jobs, but also lack basic knowledge and life skills.

 Poverty makes them unable to live a normal and healthy life.

Governments can solve migration crises

 Address the drivers of involuntary migration and create more legal avenues of migration
 Currently, migrants arriving in Malta or Lampedusa, for example, go to processing
centers. Why would they take the risk of putting their lives in danger if they could be processed
before? The ideal would be to have migrant processing centers on shore in North Africa, before
they board unseaworthy boats to cross the Mediterranean. Some of the migrants will qualify
for refugee protection under the 1951 Convention. Some will clearly be identified as economic
migrants. Some might be sent back home while others might be authorized to join their families
already in Europe.
 Why not increase opportunities for regular migration, or even short-term protection for
migrants that need them? If migrants are not needed, employers would not be hiring migrants
in irregular situations who are often exploited and abused because of irregular status. These are
actions that can help solve the short-term issue. But nothing will really change until we
recognize that the whole situation has altered incredibly and that Europe, which has been a
continent of origin of migrants for centuries, has become a continent of destination for the last
four decades.
 Go back to the basics, to the historically positive nature of migration
 Migration has been historically positive. Migrants bring new ideas and high motivation.
They contribute to the economy of their host countries and even more to the economy of their
countries of origin by sending remittances to their families. They don’t take others’ jobs; they
often create employment. They send back home $450 billion every year to put food on the
table, for the education of their children, for the people who are sick, and for the elderly. This
50

amount represents two to three times the annual amount of global Overseas Development
Assistance (ODA).
 We also need better systems to manage migration so that people migrate under safer
and better conditions, thereby allowing them to contribute optimally to the development of the
communities where they belong. I understand the fears, those coming from the global
economic downturn of 2008, from the loss of jobs, from the post 9/11 syndrome, from losing
personal and national identities because of globalization. These fears are real. They exist. We
cannot deny them. But we must deal with them.

CONCLUSION
The present analysis of the situation focuses on social, economic, political problems facing to
individuals and Pakistan in general and of emigration of people from Pakistan to other countries
in particular. The “Push” and “Pull” syndrome, prevails everywhere in developing countries but
it is more serious in Pakistan. The negative impacts of immigration of people from their own
country are known. Such as it has deprived of skilled and semi-skilled labor, and also of highly
qualified and trained human power. Immigrants were of the view that though the immigration
laws of foreign lands were strict, other formalities were tough but they did not damp their will
to go. Immigration is good as well as bad; it is good in the sense that migrants send money to
their country which is invested in development. They also improve the quality of life of their
dependents. It is unfortunate in the sense that human power of Pakistan contributes to the
development of other countries and thus the phenomena of ‘brain-drains’ continues.
Pakistanis, who had established themselves as British citizens, would never abandon their
British nationality. They would prefer to remain British as well as Pakistani. The first generation
is hoped to remain true to their cultural roots but later on changes would occur in their socio-
cultural life and it is not definitely stated, that they would remain true to their cultural roots. In
case, Pakistani migrants feel problems in integration and adjustment, is a matter of serious
concern. They should adjust themselves in the new society if they prefer to be British and
Pakistani at the same time. The assumption that British Pakistanis return to UK with radical
ideas, has been rejected participants. In their view, they were not radicalized; however, they
had become very sensitive to the depressing situation prevailing in their country. They have
been sincerely advised to avoid violence, be peaceful, behave like a good Muslim, lead a happy
and prosperous life and look for a bright future for the children.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations based on findings, are forwarded for improvement of the
situation. As revealed in the study, students comparatively are taking more interest in the
51

affairs of their country. They are more aware and more sensitive to the problems facing to
them and their society. The problem lies with their empowerment and equipping them with
appropriate education so that they could realize their potentialities and play dynamic role in
the solution of problems. Security to the people be ensured by all means. Basic amenities are
provided to people and the heart-rending inflation be contained so that people could lead with
at least minimum necessities of life. Why are people migrating from Pakistan to other
countries? This is simply because of ‘push’ and ‘pull’ phenomena. If the ‘push’ factors are not
eliminated, at least, these may be minimized. Appropriate education and skill be provided to
young, development of infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, be undertaken which would
create job opportunities and would hold back the influx of migration of people from their
country.

People are determined to go abroad if they could get a chance. Factors like laws are strict,
expenses are high, attitude of the people is negative and facing problems in adjustment in new
environment are not discouraging them from going abroad. These issues may therefore, be
taken up at high level of the governments to review the existing emigration and foreign policies.
Emigrants may remain British and Pakistani at the same time bad they may not lose their
identity as true Muslim and a faithful citizen of Pakistan. They may not forget their cultural
heritage. Efforts be made to bring about cultural cohesion and social integration among Muslim
community, living abroad. This does not mean that they should not have due regard for the
cultural and social values of the people of the host country. ‘Brain drain’ is matter of serious
concern for Pakistan. Strict policy may be adopted to retain those highly trained and educated
migrants who have obtained such a high profile on the poor economy of their country and they
devote their services for the development of other countries. However, suitable job
opportunities and incentives be given to them to keep them at home in their homes. Emigrants
might be facing the problem of adjustment in their new society with the passage of time,
irritants in this way, will be gradually removed. However, emigrants are required to equip
themselves with tools for adjustment like getting proficiency in English language, association
with welfare organization and participation in sports, social and other cultural activities of the
people. Emigrants instead of being influenced by radicalization, should own democratic ideals
and behavior of a democratic country, learn the secrets of its modernization, progress and
development as prerequisite for a qualitative and progressive state of society. They should
work hard, prove their worth and contribute to the development of their host country and at
the same time manage to carve out a bright future for their children.
52

Appendix

http://www.ejbss.com/Data/Sites/1/novemberissue/ejbss-12-1177-
causesandimpactofimmigration.pdf

www.gov.pk

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12341747

9. Feudalism
It usually refers to the power and influence of large landowning families, particularly
through very large estates and in more remote areas. The adjective "feudal" in the context of
Pakistan has been used to mean "a relatively small group of politically active and powerful
landowners. Feudal attitude" refers to "a combination of arrogance and entitlement. According
to the Pakistan Institute of Labor Education and Research (PILER), five per cent of agricultural
households in Pakistan own nearly two thirds of Pakistan's farmland.
Large joint families in Pakistan may possess hundreds or even "thousands of acres of land,
while making little or no direct contribution to agricultural production, which is handled by
"peasants or tenants who live at subsistence level.  Landlord power may be based on control
over local people through debt bondage passed down "generation after generation, and power
over the "distribution of water, fertilizers, tractor permits and agricultural credit", which in turn
gives them influence over the "revenue, police and judicial administration" of local government.
In recent times, particularly "harsh" feudalism has existed in "rural Sind, Baluchistan. Some
parts of Southern Punjab Feudal families influence has extended to national affairs through the
government bureaucracy, the Armed Forces and the Pakistani political class. Pakistan's
“major political parties" have been called "feudal-oriented", and as of 2007, "more than two-
thirds of the National Assembly (Lower House) and most of the key executive posts in the
provinces were held by "feudal", according to scholar Sharif Shuja.
Some prominent landed families in Pakistan consist of
the Rajputs, Nawabs, Khans, Nawabzadas, Mansabdars, Arbabs, Jatts, Makhdooms, and
the Sardars. Explanations for the power of "feudal" landowning families that has waned in other
post-colonial societies such as India and Japan include lack of land reform in Pakistan.
Pakistan always faces external intervention by its enemy including India.  While internal
political situation of Pakistan is also not favorable and directly effects oppressed class. In many
areas feudal system found instead of usual political term where feudal lords make their own set
53

of laws. Basically, Feudalism means a landlord hold all the land while vassal and serfs farm it to
get a piece of land in return. But in the present era definition of feudalism is little bit changed.

Actually, feudal landlords build a state within a state where they are king of their own
believers. Feudal system in Pakistan, inherited from British social system where a labor or
worker known as a vassal had to serve king’s land to get the piece of land in return. Basically,
British rulers introduced three land revenue systems, the zamindari system,
the ryotwari system and the mahalwari system. We commonly called it “wadera system” or
“jagidarananizam”.

British feudal system was ended in 1400s but in most of Pakistani areas, poor people still
facing troubles from feudal system. Most of the Pakistani politicians are themselves feudal
landlords and the judiciary, police and bureaucrats of Pakistan are just act like a puppet in front
of these strong and powerful men of feudalism.

In Pakistan Makhdoom, Bhuttos, Zardaris, Mahar, NawabBugti are some examples of

feudal landlords.  In feudal families, supremacy is transfer from generation after generation and
current feudal landlord called “sajjadahnasheen” or “gaddinasheen” or “waris” etc.

The feudal system in Pakistan had limited activities till particular areas means feudal
landlord only mean their specific work according to their system but now in modern era
feudalism expand its meanings. Feudal landlord took parts in country politics also. One of most
powerful family is Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s who still have much power and hold on the Pakistani
politics. Feudal landlords’ authorities are expanded to the national affairs through the
government bureaucracy, Police and other political activates.

Now “ruthless” feudalism has existed in rural Sindh, Baluchistan and some areas in South
Punjab.

In the history of Pakistan, many examples will be written of those innocent people who
become victims under wicked feudal system of Pakistan.

Karachi, who is the biggest and modern city of Pakistan, every second day there is a
victim shows in news. People of Karachi will never forget the murdered case of Shahzaib whose
killer ShahrukhJatoi, son of feudal lord SikandarJatoi is still free and safe despite the availability
of all witnesses and circumstantial evidence.  Shahzaib’s father was also an on-duty DSP
although. But as we told before that feudal lords seize strong influence over the police. 
Shahrukh’s safety reason is only class difference between killer (Shahrukh) and victim
(Shahzaib).

Now this cruel feudalism should be claimed.  Violence has to be stopped. Poor people
should also get equal justice and peace like upper class. The rulers also keep in mind that just
like you have given murder-permit to the elite class so that day is not very far away when
54

common people from city areas will take revenge by themselves just like tribal areas. Civil war
can be started between different categories and court will be exists only for summarize the
constitution.

10. Smuggling
Smuggling is an illegal trade. Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by it. Pakistan has
become the gateway of smuggling now and there seems to be no way of stunting its growth.
Smuggling is very ruinous for the economy and the future of a country. Our border is long and
deserted that’s why it creates a conducive atmosphere for the smugglers to carry items with
comfort and ease. There are lots of causes for this crime including lack of peace and stability,
lack of policing infrastructure etc. One of the reasons is the imbalanced policies delineated by
government and high rates of taxation on the goods. Sometimes, the dishonest custom officers,
policeman or rangers become accomplices in this disastrous activity, which makes smuggling by
roads, by air, as well as by sea on a large scale a common activity.

Smuggling severely harms the economy of a country in multidimensional ways. It undermines

the local industry, discourages legal imports and reduces the volume of revenues collected from
duties and levies by the state. Unfortunately, a parallel underground economy has taken roots
in Pakistan. A major proportion of the revenue to be collected by the Government is being lost,
over and above the adverse impact that the smuggled items cause to our industry. Obviously,
this cannot be done without connivance of the corrupt officials including those in the law
enforcement agencies and everyone is aware of it but no action is being taken.

The smugglers are somehow damaging the society and they are such germs of nation who are
destroying the economy and national prestige at international level. They smuggled things for
themselves to become rich in a society. They are enemies of national industry, national trade,
national labor force and national business. They are violators of national law. In Pakistan even
the smugglers and dealers who deals with other party smugglers or dealers of other countries,
they smuggle girls, powders, precious stones or diamonds.
55

Causes of Smuggling

Tariff Burden

Faced with high trade taxes or restrictions, traders often resort to illegal ways of conducting
trade, such as smuggling and invoicing of exports and imports. There is a large body of
theoretical and empirical literature showing that taxes and restrictions lead to under-invoicing,
smuggling, rent-seeking and other forms of directly unproductive activities.

Unemployment

On the one hand, the reduction of unemployment due to economic growth may strengthen
purchasing power of individuals and their effective demand for both legal and illegal products.
Thus, the income effect of decreasing unemployment may contribute to a larger amount of
illegal trade (Bajada, 2005). On the other hand, and by means of the substitution effects of
improved earnings, risk-averse individuals will reduce their exposure to risk and therefore,
demand more goods in the official and less in the unofficial economy. Thus, the size of illegal
trade may fall.

Corruption and Rule of Law

Smuggling is directly linked to other types of crime, such as tax and import duties evasion,
bribery and corruption of public officials, and money laundering. The probability of being
caught and punished by law enforcing authorities depends, to some extent, on a country’s rule
of law. Sound institutions are a limiting factor that makes smuggling less profitable because
smugglers try to maximize their net gain from smuggling.

Impact of Smuggling
There are almost no multi-national companies working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Even national
banks manage KP affairs from other provinces. Brand-based companies like P&G, Shell, Sun silk
etc. do not distribute or actively market their products in KP. Therefore, these companies also
do not have manufacturing factories over here. The reason for this exclusion is because of
rampant smuggling. Cargo is imported to Afghanistan or Swat region, where the importers
bypass the high taxes of Pakistan. The cargo is then smuggled into KP via FATA or PATA. The
cargo is then transported via a highly complicated supply chain to southern Pakistan. Smuggling
is highly lucrative as items that have high import taxes and custom duties are targeted, as they
provide the best margins. To understand the amount of money that is involved in smuggling,
56

consider this one example of smuggling cloth from Peshawar to Rawalpindi, via different
transport methods. From Peshawar the cloth is transported by handicapped poor motorcyclists,
who get paid per trip around Rs 3000. The Hayatabad police station receives 2 Lac rupees every
day. The small team of custom officials manning the Peshawar station receives 1 Lac rupees
daily. Besides these there are additional payments made for transporting to Nowshera, then
Taxila and Rawalpindi. The negative impact of smuggling is obvious to the people of Peshawar
and KP. Since cooperate organizations do not trust the safety of their brand and the complete
return on their marketing efforts, therefore they do not work in KP. Therefore, there are no
jobs and most of the highly educated are leaving KP for other provinces. Similarly, without
professional organizations working in KP, the local companies cannot learn and improve their
management. Banks and credit card companies are also not willing to work in KP, and therefore
do not provide loans. All of which result in KP remaining backward region, with lower high-
skilled and educated labor, while there are no jobs or high economic activities. Smuggling also
increases crime and other negative societal problems. Therefore, in my opinion, besides the
need for reduced energy charges for industries whose savings will substitute the high transport
cost of working in KP, the Government of KP and Pakistan need to actively work to end all types
of smuggling in KP, FATA and PATA regions, to help promote industrialization and attract
multinational organizations to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Solution to Stop Smuggling

Measuring Smuggling

 One method of measuring smuggling is to identify the total exports reported by other
countries to the Philippines and compare them to total imports reported by the BOC. Much of
this difference can be attributed to smuggling. Smuggling can be in three forms: outright
smuggling, undervaluation and misclassification.
 The Alyansa Agrikultura is a farmer-fisher folk coalition composed of 42 federations and
organizations covering all agricultural sectors. It noted a dramatic rise in smuggling since 2003.
At the start of President Aquino’s administration, it recommended the creation of an Oversight
and Task Force with government-private participation headed by a Cabinet secretary to fight
smuggling. The Alyansa was told to give the new Bureau of Customs administration a chance to
operate without such a group. Should the BOC fail to stop smuggling, the proposal would be
considered.

Rationale
57

 Today, recommendations for action and reform are often ignored by the BOC.
 One example is the recommendation that the BOC’s Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM) be
made accessible to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry.
This has not been done. Unlike in the past, the DTI does not have this access now. The DA has
very limited access because of an organized bureaucracy that makes such access difficult.
 The IFM is a document that the BOC receives two days before an imported shipment’s
arrival. It contains the name of the importer, the imported goods, the ship’s name and the date
of arrival. For agriculture, all shipments that do not have the required DA import permits can
automatically be apprehended. But since the DA does not have the IFMs, the shipments go
through without a check and balance system. For industry, the list of importers can be
compared to a list of importers on a watch list and their goods examined more thoroughly. But
since the DTI does not have the IFMs, this is likewise not done.

Appendix

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2012/04/20/the-problem-of-smuggling/
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/management/economic-impacts-smuggling-pakistan-7421.php
https://pakobserver.net/negative-impact-of-smuggling-in-kp/
https://timesofpakistan.pk/opinion/2017-08-07/should-stop-smuggling/106226/
http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-optional-subjects/group-vii/sociology/43239-social-problems-
pakistan.html

11. Aging
Introduction
According to United nation population fund report of 2012, this second decade of the
century shall witness about one billion people over the age of 60 years. According to the UN
estimates by the year 2025, the 60+ population will grow to 1.2 billion and by 2050, the planet
will have 2.5 billion age people. Almost two third of the elderly people are living in developing
countries. Among them, very old (80+ years of age) people have become the fastest growing
population. These are not only statistics which can be ignored. Old age is not only a problem
itself but also have serious socio-economic implications for the societies. Sociologist gives four
reasons for why old age is deadly. Firstly, it withdraws us from active employment; secondly, it
enfeebles the body, thirdly it deprives us of nearly all physical pleasures, and fourthly it is the
next step to death. Perhaps, two more could be added to his list, i.e. economic insecurity and
58

loneliness. But in objective terms, economic, social, physical and psychological problems are
associated with old age.

The Problem
Pakistan as a developing country is passing through many challenges, among them; the
process of a demographic transition is the most thriving one. The major concern is the ratio of
aged people with respect to the total population which is rising day by day. According to 1998
Census report, in Pakistan the population of over-60 years increased to 7.34 million which was
recorded as 2.92 million in 1961(Birren, 1969; p. 101, GOP, 1999). This indicated three times
increase in the aged population over 3.5 decades. It was further reported that by the year 2030,
it would be increased to 23.76 million. This shows the increment in the share of the elderly in
total population 9.3 percent by the year 2030. Table 1. Pakistan: Old Population (millions)
Census year Male Female Total 1961 1.68 1.24 2.92 1972 2.63 1.94 4.57 1981 3.40 2.48 5.88
1998 3.99 3.35 7.34 2013 5.69 5.50 11.19 2030 11.09 11.09 22.07 Having a look at different
censuses of the population of Pakistan, it shows that the total population of age 60+ in
Pakistan, according to the first census of population of 1961, was 2.92%. By the second census
the total raised to 4.57%. By 1981 census we had the % age of the aged population was 5.88%
of the total and by 1998, in a total population of over 129 million.
Problems associated with old age This can be understood that aging is psycho-physical and
social process that causes changes in a in the functional capabilities and that influence social
definition (Atchley, 1988). Aging brings in its wake a number of problems not only for the aged
themselves in all spheres of life but also for the whole society. For an elderly person loss of
employment means not only exposure to financial instability, but also reduction in status.
Similarly, loss of a spouse may lead to loss of home and prestige once enjoyed as head of the
household. Sociologists have enumerated four reasons for why old age is deadly. Firstly, it
withdraws us from active employment; secondly, it enfeebles the body, thirdly it deprives us of
nearly all physical pleasures, and fourthly it is the next step to death. Perhaps, two more could
be added to the list, i.e. economic insecurity and loneliness. But in objective terms, economic,
social, physical and psychological problems are associated with old age. The lowering Social
Status of Elderly people not only economic problems are faced by the aged people; the worst of
these problems is the recognition of their social status. In the western folk vernacular, it is said,
―the only good thing you can say about old age is that it is better than being dead (Ibid)‖. The
psychological problems faced by the elderly are numerous. They have to make an adjustment
with the new social, economic and physical conditions. They must get used to depend upon
others and accept the age, status they are assigned. They must adjust with role-loss, isolation
and loss of prestige.
59

Problems of Families with Elderly People

To meet all sort of needs older persons are dependent on individual social support system
consisting of multiple networks like family, relatives, friends and neighbors because like all
other traditional societies, care of the aged in Pakistan is the responsibility of the families. But
this can materialize only if families have reasonable income resources (Afzal, 2006). The
centuries old strong joint and extended family system is now replaced by the nuclear family
system, which is comparatively weak both politically and economically creating day-to- day
problems for the aged members (Syed et al., 2003). New economic orders compel families to
focus more on amenities than the aged people. Even then, many if not majority of the older
persons, are not helped by their families to fulfill their immediate requirements and facing
hardships like less respect, no care, no attention, sickness and physical mal-treatment (Afzal,
1999) and violence against them. A highly common abusive practice is in the form of financial
exploitation, depriving the elderly of their resources and income, misusing it, or obtaining it by
force and coercion for personal profit.
Aging, Poverty and social safety nets in Pakistan is a country where 74% people earn less
than US$ 2 a day (Population Reference Bureau, 2006). Life expectancy at birth is still 63 years
for males and 65 for females (Human Development Report, 2004). The social sector
expenditures in Pakistan are dismal because of the expenditures as %age of GDP is 0.5 on social
protection, 0.1%on social insurance, 0.2 on social assistance (Social Protection Strategy, 2006).
The inflation rate, according to independent observers stands at 8% (The News International,
26 Sep 2006). Under these dismal economic conditions, little is left for social welfare,
particularly for the welfare of the aged who are the poorest in the country with little or no
economic resources. The process of aging is expected to become faster and this shall
consequently enhance the old-age dependency ratio to a great extent. Social security schemes
and pension are offered to the currently serving and retired and retired private sector
workforce but they only manage to cover a rather small part of the aged population in the
private sector.
Conclusion
This work is about the growing problem of old-age, the problems of the aged people and
about the state level services for them. The problem is growing, but the state has not yet
devised any policy for their welfare. Some sporadic work in the shape of welfare homes for the
aged in the province of Punjab and Sind have been established, but the intake of the elderly in
these homes shows a different attitude of the public and the services are underutilized because
of cultural and religious reasons. The main problems that aged face in our society are; their
poverty, the abuse of the elderly people within families, lack of state sponsored social security,
and health problems.