Development organizations and NGOs have called for more realistic assessments by the government of the prevalence of poverty in the country.

The concerns come amid scrutiny of a report from 2008 that estimated a steep rise in the number of persons living below the poverty line.

Akmal Hussein, a professor at Beaconhouse National University, argued in the report Institutional Imperatives of Poverty reduction that about 43 percent of Pakistan’s population would be living in poverty by 2011-12.

Shamas Shamaun, executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan Hyderabad, endorsed the report’s predictions.

“The rural areas in the south [verify] the document written a few years ago,” he said.

“Annual flooding, power shortages in factories and ever-increasing oil prices are major reasons contributing to poverty. The prevailing situation is alarming.”

The most recent government figures, from 2005-06, estimate that only 22.9 percent of the population lives in poverty.

“Inaccurate studies can only increase problems and add to mistrust in the international community,” said Shamaun, who has managed development projects for rural populations for seven years.

Shahzad Masih, chairman of the Humanitarian Welfare Association in Lahore, blamed the devaluation of the rupee in international markets for the rise in poverty.

“The sky-high difference between the poor and rich has crushed the middle class.”

Alvin Murad, a professor at Government College University in Lahore, said that Christians comprise a majority among the poor.

“Being vulnerable and discriminated against, they are more exposed to the effects of inflation,” he said.

“This goes together with fewer job opportunities. The government always plays it safe in mentally preparing the public. It reveals lesser numbers both in social surveys and bombing death tolls.”