A new government report based on the District Vulnerability Index for Pakistan (DVIP) reveals that 17 of the country’s 20 most vulnerable districts are in Balochistan.
A new government report has raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s development divide, showing that the majority of the country’s most vulnerable districts are located in Balochistan. The findings, released by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadaq Malik, are based on the District Vulnerability Index for Pakistan (DVIP), which assesses socio-economic and environmental risks across the country.
According to the report, 17 out of the 20 most vulnerable districts nationwide are in Balochistan, revealing deep and persistent disparities in health, education, infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods.
Dr. Musadaq Malik said that Balochistan’s vulnerability is intensified by extremely limited access to basic services, adding that “even the best districts do not have a good standing, and the worst part is that 17 out of the 20 most vulnerable districts are in Balochistan.”
Most Underdeveloped Districts Identified
A separate analysis by the Pakistan Population Council lists the most backward districts in the country, again dominated by Balochistan. Washuk, Khuzdar, Kohlu, and Zhob are ranked among the most underdeveloped, while several others—including Mashkel, Dera Bugti, Qila Saifullah, Kalat, Sheerani, Jhal Magsi, Naseerabad, Awaran, Kharan, and Panjgur—also appear prominently in the list.
The report notes that 97% of homes in Jhal Magsi are made of mud, showing severe deficiencies in secure housing and living standards.
Poor Infrastructure and Limited Connectivity
Most districts in Balochistan lack proper transport infrastructure, with many communities disconnected due to unpaved or damaged roads. Mobile network coverage is either weak or unavailable, leaving large areas isolated from communication, digital services, and emergency assistance.
High Unemployment and Lack of Livelihoods
Employment opportunities are scarce across the province. The report states that 15 out of Pakistan’s 20 districts with the lowest job prospects are in Balochistan, with unemployment rates significantly higher compared to other provinces.
Health and Education: Long Distances, Low Access
Health access remains a major challenge, with the nearest functional health centers often 30 kilometers or more away from remote settlements. Schools are also limited in number, forcing children in many rural areas to travel long distances to attend classes.
According to the DVIP, Balochistan includes districts where:
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More than 65% of the population lives in makeshift houses
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50% of households lack toilet facilities
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40% do not have access to improved drinking water sources
These conditions highlight systemic vulnerabilities and weak service delivery affecting even comparatively better-performing districts.
High Birth Rates Exacerbating Stress on Services
The report also notes that high birth rates and large family sizes in Balochistan and parts of Sindh—such as Tharparkar—place additional pressure on limited education and healthcare infrastructure. In contrast, urban centers like Karachi have significantly higher school density and service availability.
How the Index Works
The District Vulnerability Index measures exposure to risks across six key domains:
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Housing
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Transport
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Livelihoods
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Access to health services
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Access to education
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Demographics
The report identifies a particularly alarming lack of access to safe water, quality education, and secure housing, describing these not as privileges but as basic rights that remain unmet for millions.
