Current Perspectives and the Future of Pakistan – Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from notes on social, economic, and political issues affecting Pakistan’s development.

Illiteracy

A major social problem in Pakistan where many, especially in rural areas, cannot read or write, limiting job prospects and hindering national development.

Poverty

A large portion of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line, leading to inability to afford basic needs, higher crime and child labour, and slower economic development.

Health problems

Inadequate health services, lack of clean water and medicines, resulting in sick workers, lower productivity, and slower development.

Unemployment

A major challenge, particularly for youth, where even educated individuals struggle to find jobs, causing frustration, wasted skills, and slower economic growth.

Population growth

Rapid increase in Pakistan’s population that strains resources like food, water, housing, health, and education, and can lower living standards.

Inflation

Rising prices of daily essentials, reducing purchasing power and contributing to poverty and slower economic growth.

Energy crisis

Frequent shortages of gas and electricity that disrupt production and daily life, leading to factory closures and job losses.

Low exports and high imports (trade imbalance)

Exports fall while imports rise, causing a foreign exchange shortfall and weaker economic growth.

Debt burden

Heavy loan repayments to institutions like the IMF, with interest, diverting government funds from development projects.

Poor industrial growth

Industry suffers from outdated machinery, insufficient investment, and energy shortages, resulting in fewer jobs and lower exports.

Instability (political instability)

Frequent changes of government and weak democratic traditions that deter foreign investment and slow growth.

Corruption

Widespread misuse of resources in politics and government, wasting funds that should be used for development projects.

Weak law and order

Issues like terrorism and street crime, with weak policing, creating an unsafe environment for people and investors.

Provincial conflicts

Conflicts between provinces over water, resources, and funds that hinder national unity and development projects.

Weak institutions

Inadequate parliament, judiciary, and bureaucracy that fail to enforce laws or implement policies due to corruption and political pressure.