As of February 2026, Pakistan's economy is grappling with severe challenges, including a soaring poverty rate of 29%, the highest in over a decade, impacting nearly 70 million people. The Planning Ministry's report indicates a 12% decline in real household incomes and a Gini coefficient of 32.7, marking the highest income inequality in 27 years. Rural poverty has surged to 36.2%, while urban poverty stands at 17.4%. These issues are compounded by high inflation, weak economic growth, and the impacts of IMF-mandated reforms, which have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations (Dawn, February 22, 2026).