CRS History in Pakistan

Pakistan, with a population of nearly 150 million people, is the seventh most populous country in the world, and the population is expected to double within the next 30 years. Currently, 12 percent of the population (18 million people) lives in absolute poverty, surviving on less than one dollar per day. Another 30 percent of the population (45 million people) is considered poor, earning less than one-third of the average national income.

The literacy level of Pakistan is one of the lowest in the world. In rural areas, 51 percent of men and 77 percent of women are unable to read and write. Compounding these problems is the lack of educational and employment opportunities for women and girls, the prevalence of child labor, and conflicts between people of differing faiths. Pakistan, though a predominantly Muslim country, has a substantial population of people of different faiths. Conflict between people of these faiths is common, and CRS strives to support partners who work to resolve and prevent these conflicts and to address their root causes.

CRS has worked in Pakistan since 1954. In the last two years, CRS Pakistan has enhanced its emergency activities to respond to the drought, the Afghan refugee crisis and earthquake emergency response and rebuilding process. The CRS office is located in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, and has 227 staff.