AGEING WITH DIGNITY: A REVIEW OF SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS FROM OLDER PEOPLES PERSPECTIVES IN PAKISTAN
Pakistan’s population is ageing faster than ever before, but are our social protection systems ready? As life expectancy rises and family support structures change, older people are increasingly at risk of exclusion, insecurity, and neglect, despite their continued contributions to society.
This research takes a close, evidence-based look at how three major government programs, the Sehat Sahulat Program, the Ba Himmat Buzurg Program, and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) are reaching older people across Pakistan. While these initiatives offer critical support, the study uncovers overlooked barriers related to healthcare access, insufficient financial assistance, and digital and physical challenges—particularly for older women and persons with disabilities.
By bringing forward the voices and realities of older people, this research reveals what is working, what is missing, and what must change. It offers essential insights for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates committed to building a social protection system that leaves no older person behind.
Download the report to understand the gaps, explore the evidence, and be part of shaping a more inclusive future for ageing in Pakistan.
