Why Pakistan is falling behind on Sustainable Development Goals

Pakistan’s track record on global development commitments is becoming a cautionary tale. With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index score falling to 57.02 in 2024 and Pakistan ranking 137 out of 166 countries, the message is clear: urgent course correction is imperative. With most countries in the region performing better, Pakistan has little time left till 2030 when there will be a final determination on how countries have fared in attainment of these goals.

Adopted in 2015 by the UN member states, the SDG are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

The 17 SDGs include: no poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequality, climate action, peace, justice, strong institutions and more.

After failing to fully meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the country’s current trajectory on the SDGs also reveals an unsettling trend of stagnation. Out of 41 indicators adopted by the government to track MDG progress - Pakistan fully achieved only 3.

As for the current trends Pakistan’s progress towards SDG attainment looks unlikely to be fulfilled. From the earlier 124, Pakistan now (2024) ranks at 137 out of 166 countries in the SGD Index. Making modest progress in 5 goals Pakistan has regressed in 3 while stagnating in the rest.

Pakistan’s growth trajectory got derailed following ill-advised intervention in Afghanistan in 1979. A military regime seeking legitimacy obliged the big powers and compromised Pakistan’s interests. Pakistan has, since then perpetually lived with fire next door. Much of the problems, which the country now grapples with originate from that time.

In a country with so much promise, several interlinked factors are contributing to Pakistan’s underwhelming performance on the SDGs.

Electoral populism in Pakistan has led the country to the damaging trend of shortsighted policies aimed at immediate electoral gains over long-term human development. Successive governments have focused on headline-grabbing initiatives rather than investing in structural reforms that would yield sustainable benefits. This election-centric mindset has hindered continuity and depth in development programming.

Pakistan’s politics leads to political instability, which in turn discourages investment and erodes the institutional coherence necessary for effective implementation of development agendas. Frequent changes in government, lack of policy continuity, and power struggles have made long-term planning difficult.

Pakistan’s SDG goals have not been effectively localised or integrated into national development strategies. Following the passage of 18th amendment to the constitution there is an overlap or contradiction between federal and provincial policies.

Corruption, red tape, and bureaucratic inefficiency undermine public trust and hinder service delivery. Misallocation of resources and lack of accountability reduce the effectiveness of development spending.

Pakistan’s economic situation remains precarious. Inflation has remained high for more than three years, which has only recently been contained somewhat. Foreign exchange reserves remain low, and the tax base is narrow. Public sector spending on health, education, and social protection is far below regional averages. The government often relies on international aid and loans, which are not always channelled into development priorities.

Another major barrier to meeting the SDG and other progress is the absence of timely and reliable data without which intelligent planning is not possible.

Frequent floods, inadequate water storage capacity, droughts, and extreme weather events have disrupted lives and livelihoods. Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, yet it lags in adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Another important reason for lack of progress is a growing disconnect between the ruling elite and the general population. The elite’s lifestyles contrasts starkly with the daily hardships of ordinary citizens. This lack of empathy and accountability erodes trust in the system. The political leadership. busy in its survival fails to inspire or mobilise the public toward collective national goals, including the SDGs.

Unlike the previous years Pakistan cannot afford to lag behind. With 64 percent of population below the age of 30 and rising at about 2 percent annually Pakistan needs to proactively take steps to provide jobs which cannot come without growth opportunities.

To reverse the sluggish human development and growth trends Pakistan needs to strengthen its institutions, decentralise power and improve service delivery to its population. Pakistan needs to boost its spending on human resource development, which will spur attainment of SDG’s.

Investing in data infrastructure and capacity-building for evidence-based policymaking is critical. Without reliable data, planning and resource allocation will remain flawed.

Pakistan must prioritise climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Green infrastructure, reforestation, and investment in clean energy can help mitigate climate risks and promote SDGs.

The government should create enabling conditions to encourage the private sector, NGOs, and academia in localising and implementing he SDGs. These goals should transcend political divide.

Pakistan stands at a crossroads. With bold reforms, political will, and citizen engagement, the country can still turn the SDG agenda into a reality. Otherwise, Pakistan risks being left further behind in a rapidly changing world.

- Sajjad Ashraf served as an adjunct professor at the Lee Luan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore from 2009 to 2017. He was a member of Pakistan Foreign Service from 1973 to 2008 and served as an ambassador to several countries.