Long Run Relationship between Poverty and Macro-Economic Variables in Pakistan

Muhammad Naeem Akhtar, Iqra University, Islamabad Campus

Abstract

This research study examines the long run relationship between poverty and economic indicators in Pakistan. Data from 1972 to 2010 is used to analyze the relationship between various economic variables and poverty. The economic indicators include; consumer price index, literacy rate and population growth. Head count rate is used to measure poverty. The statistical techniques used include unit root Augmented Dickey Fuller test (for checking the stationary data) & Johansen’s co-integration test for long run relationship. The study found co-integration between all the economic factors and poverty, which means that economic performance indicators are pertinent predictors of poverty. This can help in developing poverty alleviation strategies.