Islamabad: Gallup Pakistan Welfare Index Report based on Population Census 2023 has showed that Islamabad holds the highest welfare index score of 819 out of 900 while Kohlu and Sujawal are at the bottom with 269.

Gallup Pakistan, as part of its Big Data Analysis initiative, is looking at Gallup Pakistan Welfare Index Report, a composite index designed using various indicators available in the latest Population Census 2023. The broader Big Data Analysis Initiative series' main aim is to provide data. Implications of these data points for development sector as well as wider socio-political ramifications is something we would like to trigger in relevant circles.

Main Messages emerging from this report is that the report highlights a stark geographic divide in welfare, with districts closer to Islamabad showing significantly higher scores, while those farther away-particularly in Balochistan and western KP-lag considerably behind.

Punjab and Islamabad dominate the country's welfare rankings. Of the top 10 most endowed districts, nine are from Punjab or Islamabad, with Karachi being the only exception. Even within Punjab, a North-South divide persists. North and Central Punjab outperform the national average, while South Punjab's indicators align more closely with less-developed regions.

These disparities raise serious concerns about the sustainability of Pakistan's growth. Uneven access to the benefits of development may deepen social and political tensions, particularly in areas like Balochistan and KP.