Pakistan’s level of socioeconomic development is at present quite low; development in Pakistan is undermined by natural disasters such as earthquakes, domestic political turmoil and the war in neighbouring Afghanistan. Due to the conflict in Afghanistan, Pakistan has taken in many refugees, putting pressure on the country’s limited infrastructure.

The provision of social services is lagging behind the Millennium Development Goals, with primary school enrolments at just 50%. Access to health care is low; Pakistan has a high incidence of tuberculosis as well as being one of only four countries where polio remains endemic.