Published on, Sept. 25 -- September 25, 2025 11:16 AM

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's decades-old growth model has reached its limits, leaving millions vulnerable as poverty rises again after years of decline, according to a new World Bank report.

The report highlights stark social realities: nearly 40 percent of children are stunted, one in four of primary school age remains out of school, and three-quarters of those completing primary education cannot read a simple story. These figures, unchanged for years, underscore that even during periods of high economic growth, the benefits have not reached the poor.

Between 2011 and 2021, real wage growth for low-income sectors remained minimal-just 2-3%-making it impossible for vulnerable groups to tra...