Pakistan, the world's fifth most populous country, is characterized by a rich tapestry of ethno-linguistic groups, varied topography and distinct socioeconomic landscapes. Yet, the country faces significant development challenges, including unequal resource distribution, disparities in basic service delivery and related socioeconomic deprivation. This has been stated in the District Vulnerability Index for Pakistan (DVIP), launched by the Population Council on November 17.
The report is based on six distinct domains of housing, communication, transport, livelihoods, access to health services, access to education and demographics. The index, developed by the Pakistan Population Council, measures the exposure of districts across Pakistan to social, economic and environmental risks.
Even better-performing districts, the report notes, reveal systemic weaknesses nationwide. Nearly 10 million, or 11.3%, Pakistanis live in the 20 most vulnerable districts. About 2 million of them are women of reproductive age and similar numbers are children under the age of 5. More than half of the most vulnerable population resides in Balochistan – more than 40% of the province's population.
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