On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Rana, Associate Professor of Social Sciences, LUMS, delivered a lecture to the participants of 36^th SMC on “Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation”. Dr. Ahsan Rana delivered a thought-provoking talk on poverty in Pakistan, beginning with a discussion on the definitions and measurement models of poverty. He explained different methods, such as income-based and multidimensional models, and their application to accurately assess poverty levels in the Pakistani context.

Dr. Rana conducted a stakeholder analysis, highlighting the role of various actors in poverty alleviation, particularly Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and their contributions at the grassroots level. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society.

One of the critical challenges discussed was the integration of accurate and comprehensive data into poverty reduction strategies. Dr. Rana pointed out that without reliable data, policy implementation and resource allocation remain inefficient, limiting the effectiveness of interventions.

The talk also featured successful local and international case studies in poverty reduction, offering insights into approaches that have yielded positive outcomes. He showcased Pakistan’s own experiences, alongside global best practices.

Dr. Rana concluded by discussing state-led poverty reduction policies, with a focus on the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). He assessed the impact of BISP and suggested a way forward, advocating for targeted interventions, improved data systems, and long-term strategies to sustainably reduce poverty in Pakistan.