Pakistan’s public money a privilege? World Bank report reveals stark fiscal faultlines

 Pakistan’s fiscal decentralisation efforts have failed to bridge regional spending gaps, with provincial capitals like Quetta and Lahore receiving significantly more per person than their own provinces. Despite budget surpluses in some areas, poorer regions face underinvestment. Concerns also arise over education and healthcare spending not yielding desired results, alongside widespread financial irregularities uncovered by auditors. Pakistan’s fiscal decentralisation efforts have failed to bridge regional spending gaps, with provincial capitals like Quetta and Lahore receiving significantly more per person than their own provinces. Despite budget surpluses in some areas, poorer regions face underinvestment. Concerns also arise over education and healthcare spending not yielding desired results, alongside widespread financial irregularities uncovered by auditors.