Assessment of Social Progress in Pakistan: A Sub-national Analysis

Balaaj AHMAD MUSTAFA

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Globally and regionally, Pakistan ranks poorly in indices of social progress and wellbeing. However, this plight is not shared uniformly across all regions of Pakistan and policymakers aiming to improve social progress need to consider spatial social disparities. This study aims to first, evaluate the spatial patterns of disparities in social progress across Pakistan and second, identify critical components of social progress in which the districts of Pakistan are most deficient. To measure sub-national levels of social progress, the paper constructs a Social Progress Index (SPI) for the districts of Pakistan by following the methodology of the Global SPI. Results reveal acute disparities in social progress across and within provinces. On average, the districts of Punjab perform better than the rest of Pakistan and the districts of Balochistan have lowest levels of social progress. Distinct patterns of disparities are also observed within the provinces. Overall, the districts of Pakistan perform worst in components of access to advanced education, personal rights and access to information and communication. This study equips policymakers with evidence to make spatially targeted interventions and prioritize deprived areas. The results are also a key resource for further research into social progress and its determinants in Pakistan.

Abstract:

Globally and regionally, Pakistan ranks poorly in indices of social progress and wellbeing. However, this plight is not shared uniformly across all regions of Pakistan and policymakers aiming to improve social progress need to consider spatial social disparities. This study aims to first, evaluate the spatial patterns of disparities in social progress across Pakistan and second, identify critical components of social progress in which the districts of Pakistan are most deficient. To measure sub-national levels of social progress, the paper constructs a Social Progress Index (SPI) for the districts of Pakistan by following the methodology of the Global SPI. Results reveal acute disparities in social progress across and within provinces. On average, the districts of Punjab perform better than the rest of Pakistan and the districts of Balochistan have lowest levels of social progress. Distinct patterns of disparities are also observed within the provinces. Overall, the districts of Pakistan perform worst in components of access to advanced education, personal rights and access to information and communication. This study equips policymakers with evidence to make spatially targeted interventions and prioritize deprived areas. The results are also a key resource for further research into social progress and its determinants in Pakistan.

Keywords

Social Progress, Composite Index, Social disparity, Spatial Analysis

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 5. 2022

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Mgr. Jaromír Harmáček, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Development Studies and Foresight / Development Studies and Foresight - specialization in Global Development Policy