Economic Disparity in Pakistan – Reasons and Remedies

Inequitable distribution of resources

•  In Pakistan, there exists an inequitable distribution of resources.
• That means a distribution of resources should reflect the basic elements of fairness and equity.
• Consequently, uneven development takes place which leads to a sharp contrast in the living standard of people among different regions.
• For example, All major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Hyderabad, Karachi, and other small towns and cities throughout the country are provided with natural gas from Sui in Baluchistan.
• But, major parts of Baluchistan do not have access to natural gas where it is produced.

Ensure equitable distribution of resources

• Government should make sure that resource distribution among different administrative units in a fair and equitable manner.
• Moreover, the government should give priority while planning and implementing developmental plans.
• This act on behalf of the government will ensure uniform development and the underdeveloped regions will come at par with developed regions.

The concentration of industries in some regions and their absence in others

• Industries are one of the main sources of formal employment.
• They also provide self-employment opportunities so that they also help create more and more economic and commerce activities.
• In Pakistan, some regions especially the cities have a concentration of industries thus creating ample job opportunities.
• Moreover, due to the presence of industries, commerce and business activities flourish thus providing jobs and self-employment to more and more people.
• Contrary to cities, villages do not have large-scale industries.  They also lack in small and medium-sized industries and characterized by limited business and commerce activities thus causing unemployment.

Set up industries in underdeveloped areas

•  Although it is difficult to build large-scale industries in rural areas the government can encourage the setting up of cottage and small-scale industries in villages and underdeveloped areas.
• People esp. women would be gainfully involved in the manufacture of different goods at their homes or in their locality.
• Job and self-employment opportunities will be created as a consequence.
• Similarly, people will start earning to enhance their already distressed economic conditions.

The concentration of educational institutions in some regions

• Some regions especially cities have more educational institutions i.e. schools, colleges, technical and vocational training centers, etc.
• These institutions produce a human workforce for different departments of life.
• Equipped with skills and modern education, people in these areas can find better jobs and contribute to the development of society.
• In villages, the lack or absence of educational institutions only helps increase illiteracy.

Establish educational institutions in underdeveloped areas

• As a priority, the government should build more and more schools, colleges, technical and vocational training centers to produce a skilled workforce for different departments of life.
• An educated mass creates productive knowledge for an individual and collective good.
• Similarly, they also practically contribute by providing their services as industrialists, engineers, entrepreneurs, doctors, educationists, etc.

The concentration of communication facilities in some regions

• Cities enjoy necessary communication facilities. For example, people may have access to 5 G internet service whereas many rural areas do not have.
• Areas like Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and villages in almost all four provinces do not have access to modern communication facilities.

Provision of modern communication facilities

• Government should provide modern communication facilities to underdeveloped regions.
• The provision of fast internet service can help people do online businesses and benefit in terms of education.
• Unfortunately, many areas do not have access to cellular and internet service in this technologically developed era.

• Concentration transportation facilities in some regions
• Cities and some regions have relatively advanced transportation infrastructure i.e. airports, roads, railways whereas many areas are without these facilities. 
• The absence and poor transport infrastructure disconnect farms from the market.
• The agricultural goods are not transported in time.
• When they reach the market, they are available to people at a high price.

• Construction of roads, airports in underdeveloped areas
• Government should build roads in rural areas and connect farm sites with the market in big cities.
• An advanced and efficient transport system will help in the quick and safe transport of agricultural goods from farms to the market.

Presence of health facilities in some regions and their absence in others

• Another reason for the economic disparity in Pakistan is the concentration of health facilities exist concentration in some regions, especially cities. 
• Unlike cities, villages, smaller towns, and cities do not have basic health care facilities because of which people struggle with their health problems. 

Provision of health facilities

• In order to counter health-related factors responsible for the economic disparity in Pakistan the government should: 
• take steps to provide basic health care facilities in underdeveloped regions.
• undertake proper medication and treatment of the patients free of cost as one of the fundamental responsibilities of the state.