IN the midst of Pakistan’s expanding urban areas, the rural heartlands are often ignored, where millions reside far from the advancements witnessed in cities. These communities experience a distinct reality characterized by restricted availability of essential services such as healthcare, education, clean water and infrastructure. Even though rural Pakistan accounts for almost 62% of the population, it is often overlooked in national development initiatives.
Life is always difficult for people who reside in isolated regions. Agriculture continues to be the main source of revenue for a lot of families, yet obstacles such as erratic weather, antiquated farming methods and restricted market entry impede their capacity to make a secure income. In regions of Sindh, Balochistan and Southern Punjab, farmers toil endlessly on infertile lands that yield minimal returns because of these challenges.
Many rural areas lack access to even minimal healthcare services. There are limited clinics and in some villages the nearest hospital is hours away. Shortage of medical supplies is common and the staff often do not have the necessary training to meet the needs of the community. Maternal and child healthcare is the most affected, facing high levels of malnutrition, avoidable illnesses and maternal deaths. In places such as Tharparkar, numerous children succumb to diseases annually due to the lack of proper healthcare and nutrition that could easily save their lives.
In terms of education, rural Pakistan significantly falls behind. Urban children commonly go to private schools, but rural children, especially girls, have restricted opportunities for education. Cultural norms prevent many girls in various regions from going to school. In cases where schools are present, they frequently suffer from lack of funding, teacher absences, insufficient resources, and deteriorating infrastructure. UNESCO reports that more than 22.8 million children in Pakistan do not attend school, most of whom live in rural areas. The absence of education continues the cycle of poverty in these communities, depriving them of the skills and opportunities necessary to break free from their difficult situations.
Despite challenges, initiatives are bringing optimism to rural Pakistan. NGOs like the Edhi Foundation provide mobile medical units to offer essential healthcare in isolated villages, while the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) supports microfinance, vocational training, and infrastructure projects. Many efforts focus on empowering women by offering skills and generating economic opportunities. However, long-term progress relies on government intervention. Rural areas remain underrepresented in national policies, receiving limited financial support for education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Decentralizing resources and giving local governments more autonomy could better address community-specific issues.
Improvements in rural infrastructure, education, and agriculture could significantly enhance opportunities for these regions. Pakistan’s future is intertwined with the well-being of its rural areas. By investing in neglected communities and prioritizing equity between rural and urban regions, Pakistan can unlock the untapped potential of its rural population and drive inclusive national progress.
—The writer is associated with Aitchison College.
