Islamabad, Jan 25 (NationPress) Pakistan is encountering significant challenges in affording basic necessities such as food and education. A comparative analysis spanning 20 years reveals a notable shift in household spending, with families reallocating funds primarily to cover living expenses instead of food, as highlighted by a recent survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan.

Data from the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) indicates that the proportion of household income spent on food has decreased from 43 percent to 37 percent between 2005 and 2025. In contrast, expenditures on housing and utilities have surged from 15 percent to a staggering 25 percent of household budgets, according to an editorial in The News International.

The editorial states, "Gallup analysis reveals that, when considering stagnant real incomes and reduced food quantities, this trend likely signifies households reducing food consumption to manage escalating fixed costs, such as housing and utilities, rather than indicating that food is becoming more affordable. Other analyses corroborate that Pakistanis are indeed cutting back on food consumption."

The HIES 2024-25 survey findings show that the number of individuals experiencing moderate-to-severe food insecurity has risen from one in six to one in four between 2018-19 and 2024-25, making survival increasingly challenging for residents, with future prospects appearing grim.

According to the Institute of Social and Policy Science (I-SAP)’s 15th annual report on Public Financing of Education, families now bear the brunt of educational expenses, marking a historic first. Household spending constitutes PKR 2.8 trillion of the total PKR 5.03 trillion education cost, while the public sector contributes PKR 2.23 trillion, as detailed in the editorial.

Household expenditures include PKR 1.31 trillion for private school fees, PKR 613 billion on tuition and shadow education, and PKR 878 billion in miscellaneous costs. This disparity arises from a preference for private education amidst significant concerns regarding the adequacy of the public education system.

With approximately 20 million children out of school, it seems only those who can afford private education and tutoring will gain educational access in Pakistan, as per the editorial in The News International. Education should not be viewed as a luxury in countries that aspire to thrive and compete in the 21st century. Without increased public investment in education, Pakistan risks failing to develop the necessary workforce for the digital age and improve its citizens' living standards.