Equity and Empowerment

In any society striving for progress and prosperity for all, equity stands as the bedrock upon which sustainable development can flourish. The Government of Pakistan recognizes the paramount importance of equity in fostering a society that embraces the principles of fairness, justice, and equal opportunities. Although equity is a cross-cutting theme across all government policies and and programs, this Plan places special emphasis on promoting equitable development through affirmative policies and targeted interventions. By adopting an equity-centered approach, this Plan acknowledges that individuals have diverse needs, aspirations, and potentials. While some may face barriers due to age, gender, disability, or geographic location, it is our responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind. Such an approach allows us to dismantle discriminatory structures and build an environment where every citizen can fully exercise their agency and participate in shaping their own destiny.

This section aims to address the horizontal and vertical inequities that persist in our society, utilizing a combination of universal and targeted interventions. To tackle vertical inequities, this chapter places a significant emphasis on three critical dimensions: population planning and the provision of affordable and quality health and education services.Through improved access to reproductive healthcare, family planning services, and early childhood, school and higher education, we seek to create an environment where individuals can exercise their rights and make decisions that positively impact their well-being and that of future generations.

Moreover, this section recognizes that specific groups within our society face distinct challenges and require targeted interventions. Special emphasis is placed on youth,women, persons with disabilities, and the least developed regions of our country. By prioritizing their needs and aspirations, we can break the cycle of intergenerational inequities and unlock the full potential of these marginalized segments. This entails providing tailored opportunities, including higher education access, skills development programs, entrepreneurial support, gender empowerment initiatives, accessibility measures, and infrastructure development in least developed regions.