This report presents the results of household data collected during the Rural Household Panel Survey (2012). The household
survey collected information on a large number of topics, such as education, nature of employment, sources of income, time use,
consumption patterns, economic shocks, and participation in social safety nets. The preliminary analysis presented in this report,
provides an important baseline for understanding rural poverty. Most of the results of the RHPS-2012 presented in this report are in
line with the findings of nationally representative household surveys.
Pakistan’s population is relatively young. The data indicate that the rural population of Pakistan is relatively young. Over
one quarter of the population is younger than 10 years old, and 59 percent is under the age of 25. This demographic dividend
provides substantial opportunities for Pakistan in the coming decades, but it is also a generation that requires quality schooling and
investments in human capital today. Also, it poses considerable challenges for the country to provide economic opportunities for
these youth as they enter the work-force.
A majority of Pakistan’s population is illiterate. The literacy rate among population 10 years and older is 44 percent; 59
percent for males and 30 percent for females. There is considerable geographic variation in literacy rates too. While the literacy
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rate in KPK is about 58 percent, it is 48 percent in Punjab and only 26 percent in Sindh. The data also show that literacy is considerably
higher in younger people. Only 49 percent individuals have ever attended school. The survey found low levels of completed
education. Nearly 20 percent individuals were not able to complete primary, 8 percent left school before completing middle, and 3
percent could not complete matric. About 26 percent individuals were able to complete primary. Nearly 17 percent individuals
completed matric. The proportion of individuals who completed more than 10 years of education including professional education is
only 11 percent.