Islamabad): The United Nations launched its Human Development Report 2011: Sustainability and Equity, A better future for all” in Islamabad Tuesday warning that environmental degradation poses serious threat to the sustainable development of the developing countries. The report calls for addressing health, education, income and gender disparities together with global action on energy production and ecosystem protection.
It further warns that South Asia must overcome acute poverty and internal inequalities to maintain current rate of progress. According to the report, Pakistan ranks 145 out of 187 countries and territories in human development. The report acknowledges increased representation of Pakistani women in the parliament.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Nadeemul Haq said Pakistan is faced with multidimensional challenges which have greatly affected its growth rate.
He said a comprehensive policy framework has been prepared to achieve sustained growth and development. He pointed out the country’s growth rate has remained volatile due to inconsistent policies. We achieved six to seven percent growth rate but it came down to two to 2.5 percent due to lack of planning and long term policies. He said under the policy framework, we target to achieve six to seven percent growth rate on sustainable basis.
UNDP Resident Representative Timo Pakkala said the United Nations is supporting Pakistan in its endeavors to meet the challenges and improve the quality of life of the people. UNDP Country Director Toshihiro Tanaka gave a detailed presentation on the Human Development Report.