Key points
- The District Vulnerability Index for Pakistan (DVIP) identifies districts at greatest risk, particularly in Balochistan and Sindh.
- High population growth is linked to challenges such as child stunting, learning poverty, and a workforce unprepared for the future.
- Climate change exposes communities to extreme temperatures, floods, droughts, and environmental degradation, compounding existing social vulnerabilities.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ability to achieve sustained economic growth is closely tied to its management of population dynamics and climate risks, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said during the launch of the District Vulnerability Index for Pakistan (DVIP) here on Monday.
The Index, produced by the Population Council over three years of research, provides a data-driven analysis of vulnerabilities across six domains, offering actionable insights into geographic disparities and identifying districts most at risk. The findings show that social vulnerabilities and climate exposure reinforce each other, creating compounded risks for already marginalised populations.
Senator Aurangzeb highlighted that districts in Balochistan and Sindh face some of the highest combined population and climate pressures. He noted that rapid population growth continues to manifest in human development challenges, including child stunting, learning poverty, and a workforce insufficiently equipped for future demands.
The Minister also pointed to the effects of climate change, including extreme temperatures, floods, droughts, and environmental degradation, stressing that these challenges disproportionately affect districts already struggling with poverty, weak infrastructure, and limited access to essential services.
He emphasised the interdependence of population and climate factors, calling for the integration of vulnerability metrics into budgeting and resource allocation frameworks. Incorporating these insights, he said, will be essential for equitable national planning, strengthening resilience, and targeting support to the districts that need it most.
The Finance Minister drew attention to the rising trend of rural-to-urban migration and the growth of informal settlements, where inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions contribute to poor nutrition outcomes and perpetuate child stunting. He encouraged further research into urban vulnerabilities to ensure national planning addresses the full spectrum of demographic and climate-linked challenges.
The Finance Minister also acknowledged development partners, including the UK Government’s FCDO (the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), for their support in governance reforms, revenue mobilisation, and evidence-based policymaking. He expressed confidence that the District Vulnerability Index will serve as a critical tool for guiding future national strategies.
