7.2.3. Poverty

According to the report on Poverty Estimation covering 2024-25, the share of the population living below the poverty line in Sindh province rose from 24.5 % in 2018-19 to 32.6 % in 2024-25.2112 In urban areas of Sindh the share more than doubled, from 10.4 % in 2018-19 to 22.2 % in 2024-25.2113

Regarding its ‘overall vulnerability’2114 the DVIP ranks four Karachi districts (Karachi Central, Karachi Korangi, Karachi South, Karachi East) among the four least vulnerable of 129 examined Pakistani districts.2115

Infrastructural deficits and climate hazards impacted low-income groups. For instance, prolonged power outages of 10 to 16 hours especially affected daily wage earners as it meant a lack of income. In Karachi, one of the fastest‑heating cities globally,2116 women in informal settlements were particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. Social norms restricting women’s mobility in public spaces confine many to overcrowded, poorly constructed homes, where poor cooling options increase health risks.2117 Houses of low-income groups in informal settlements located alongside water channels are also badly affected by floodings.2118 For further information on living conditions in informal settlements, see section 7.2.5. Housing and living conditions.