Fact Check: According to a World Bank report released on June 6, 2025, 45% of Pakistan's population lives below the poverty line.

Fact Check: "According to a World Bank report released on June 6, 2025, 45% of Pakistan's population lives below the poverty line."

What We Know

The claim that "45% of Pakistan's population lives below the poverty line" is supported by multiple sources. According to a report published by Dawn on June 6, 2025, the World Bank indicated that approximately 45% of Pakistan's population is living below the poverty line. This figure aligns with the World Bank's updated global poverty threshold, which was set at $4.20 per person per day. The report also noted that over 107 million people in Pakistan fall below this threshold.

Furthermore, Arab News corroborates this information, stating that around 44.7% of the population is now considered to be living below the poverty line, which reflects the World Bank's newly updated global poverty standards. The report emphasizes that these updates are based on changes in the cost of living and consumption patterns.

Analysis

While the claim is generally accurate, it is important to note the specific context and the precise figure reported. The World Bank's report indicates that 44.7% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is slightly less than the 45% stated in the claim. This discrepancy is minor and can be attributed to rounding or reporting variations.

The sources cited, including Dawn and Arab News, are reputable news outlets that have reported on the World Bank's findings. However, it is essential to consider that the World Bank's poverty thresholds are periodically updated to reflect changes in economic conditions and living standards. As noted by the World Bank representatives, these updates do not necessarily indicate a deterioration in living standards but rather a recalibration of what constitutes poverty based on current economic realities.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "45% of Pakistan's population lives below the poverty line" is partially true. While the figure is close to the reported 44.7% from the World Bank, the slight discrepancy warrants clarification. The essence of the claim is accurate, reflecting the significant poverty levels in Pakistan as reported by credible sources.

Sources

1. Latest World News & Headlines - SBS
2. Under new World Bank threshold, over 44% Pakistanis now ...
3. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 | World Economic Forum
4. 45pc of Pakistanis live below poverty line: WB
5. Global Risks Report 2025 | World Economic Forum
6. 44.7% Pakistanis Living Below Poverty Line: World Bank
7. Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 | World Economic Forum
8. June 2025 Update to Global Poverty Lines