Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Nets: A Case Study around Poonch District

Purpose: Poverty is a global issue, and safety nets are widely adopted to mitigate its effects. In Pakistan, the PASSD (Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division), known as the “Ehsaas Ministry,” plays a central role. This study analyzed whether the selection criteria of social safety nets in District Poonch meet international standards and evaluated beneficiaries’ satisfaction with these programs. Design/Methodology/Approach: Primary data is collected through a questionnaire survey from the total of 4,004 beneficiaries, a stratified random sample of 351 respondents is selected. Data is analyzed by using SPSS. District Poonch is divided into four subdivisions: Rawalakot and Thorar (896 beneficiaries; sample 78), Hajira (1,688 beneficiaries; sample 164), and Abbaspur (1,236 beneficiaries; sample 108). Findings:Results revealed that all beneficiaries lived below the poverty line, with most income spent on food. Major challenges included poor access to health and education. Beneficiaries of Ehsaas Emergency, Ehsaas Kafalat, and Ehsaas Taleemi Wazifa programs has monthly incomes below PKR 45,000, confirming that the selection criteria effectively targeted the poor. Implications/Originality/Value: The study validated the selection process of social safety nets in District Poonch and provided insights to improve poverty alleviation strategies in Pakistan in line with international practices.