Introduction
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals for fair development, were
adopted in 2015. It has 169 targets, 17 of which are to be reached by 2030.
To this end, Pakistan has embarked upon multiple national and provincial efforts.
However, there are still major obstacles to overcome in a number of areas,
including education, gender equality, poverty reduction, and environmental
sustainability.
1. No Poverty
Pakistan has made efforts to reduce poverty through initiatives such as the Ehsaas
Program, but a significant portion of the population still lives below the poverty line. The
lack of economic possibilities and income inequality are two structural issues facing the
nation.[1].
2. Zero Hunger
Malnutrition and hunger continue to be serious problems. Among children under five,
stunting and wasting are incredibly common, especially in rural areas. Programs for
food security must be increased in order to successfully address these problems..[1].
3. Good Health and Well-being
Pakistan has made some progress in healthcare, with improvements in child and
maternal mortality rates. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed some gains,
and access to quality healthcare remains limited for many, particularly in rural areas【
9:4†UN SDGs】.
4. Quality Education
Despite government attempts, Pakistan has low literacy rates and significant dropout
rates, especially among girls. Rural areas of Punjab continue to lag behind despite
improvements in metropolitan areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[1]..
5. Gender Equality
In the areas of education, work, and financial inclusion, gender differences are
apparent. Compared to 34% of men, only 13% of women have access to financial
accounts. Social and economic obstacles prevent women from being empowered..[2].
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
Access to clean water and sanitation has improved, but disparities remain, particularly
in rural areas where water contamination and lack of sanitation infrastructure pose
health risks.[1]..
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
Even though power is now more widely available in Pakistan, a sizable portion of
energy still originates from non-renewable sources. Long-term growth requires
investments in renewable energy.【9:5†UN SDGs】.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
Unemployment, particularly among youth and women, remains a concern. Informal
employment is prevalent, and labor market inequalities persist【.[1].
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
While industrial growth and technical innovation are slow, infrastructure construction is
continuing. Investing in fintech and digital financial services could increase financial
inclusion..[2].
10. Reduced Inequality
Inequality remains an issue, especially with regard to income distribution and resource
access. Rural populations and marginalised communities face significant
socioeconomic disparities..[1]..
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Issues like bad urban planning and insufficient housing have been brought on by rapid
urbanisation.Slums are still growing in major cities, which calls for better infrastructure
spending and administration.【9:6†UN SDGs】.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
Waste management and environmental sustainability still need more attention,
notwithstanding Pakistan's efforts to encourage sustainable consumption..[1].
13. Climate Action
Pakistan faces severe weather events including droughts and floods, making it
extremely sensitive to climate change. Although the government has started initiatives
like the Billion Tree Tsunami, more needs to be done.9:7†UN SDGs】.
14. Life Below Water
Marine pollution and overfishing are concerns. Pakistan has yet to implement strong
policies to protect marine biodiversity.[1].
15. Life on Land
Biodiversity is threatened by the destruction of natural habitats and forests. Although
laws set at preserving the environment are seldom enforced, reforestation efforts are
underway.【9:8†UN SDGs】.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Political instability, weak governance, and corruption hinder sustainable development.
Judicial reforms and institutional strengthening are necessary.[1].
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Pakistan is working with international organisations to implement the SDGs, but
stakeholders and provincial governments need to coordinate more..[1].
Conclusion
Although Pakistan has made strides towards a number of SDGs, reaching them by
2030 will be extremely difficult.To solve issues including poverty, gender inequality,
healthcare, and climate change, stronger policy implementation, better governance, and
greater financial support for sustainable initiatives are needed. Achieving the SDGs
depends on significant cooperation among civil society, the general public, and
corporate world.
References:
[2]A. Razzaq, S. Qin, Y. Zhou, I. Mahmood, and M. Alnafissa, “Determinants of financial
inclusion gaps in Pakistan and implications for achieving SDGs,” Scientific Reports, vol.
14, no. 1, p. 13667, Jun. 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-63445-6.
[1]M. Umar, Asghar, and Z. Asghar, “Munich Personal RePEc Archive SDG
Index for Pakistan at Provincial Level Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
Index for Pakistan at Provincial Level,” 2018. Accessed: Feb. 03, 2025.
[Online]. Available:
https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/83997/1/MPRA_paper_83997.pdf
United Nations (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals: 17 Goals to Transform Our
World. UN SDGs【9†UN SDGs】.
