55 mln people living below poverty line: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD, MAY 12(APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal Thursday said that 29.5 percent of the population was below poverty line, which translated to approximately 55 million people in the country.

In a written reply in the senate, the minister said according to the
latest available estimates based on 2013 14 data, this was down from 64.3% in 2000 01.

He said the government had taken various steps to reduce poverty and
income inequality.These measures included he added steering the economy to higher growth path and making economic growth more inclusive and sustained.