Pakistan may see its average income rise three times by 2050 if the government accelerates economic reforms, the World Bank reported on October 22, 2026.
The study, called Pakistan Development Update: Attaining Escape Velocity, projects that annual growth could reach between 6.2% and 6.9% provided policies and institutions improve to the level of a typical middle-income nation.
In the fiscal year 2025-26, the Pakistani economy expanded by 3.7%, up from 3.2% the year before, yet per-capita income growth lingered at roughly 1.6%.
The Bank notes that enhancements are needed in the business climate, tax reforms, shrinking the state's economic footprint, and easing financing for firms.
It also stresses that boosting private investment is essential for job creation and higher living standards, and that maintaining these reforms could bring Pakistan to Vietnam's present income level by 2050.