A World Inequality Database report shows that an individual making Rs121,000 a month belongs to Pakistan's top 10 percent of earners, while also highlighting widespread poverty and financial pressure on households.
The income thresholds for the top earners
Ninety percent of the population in Pakistan sits below the monthly income mark of Rs121,000. Individuals making Rs189,000 a month or more belong to the top 5 percent of earners.
Millions live below daily income thresholds
The study also outlines the number of citizens surviving on less than three specific daily income brackets, spanning from under $3 to under $8.30 a day.
- More than 57.6 million people, or 23 percent of the population, earn less than $3 (Rs831) a day.
- Over 120 million people, representing 47.9 percent of the population, have daily incomes below $4.20 (Rs1,176).
- Some 218.8 million Pakistanis earn less than $8.30 (Rs2,300) a day.
Rural poverty exceeds the urban rate
Rural poverty stands at 56.4 percent, surpassing the 34.4 percent rate recorded in urban centers. The study points to inflation, reduced economic activity, and falling incomes as primary drivers of poverty.
Household budgets face extra pressure from climbing prices for food and energy, such as electricity and gas. These rising costs create severe challenges for low-income households.
