Inequality and inter-provincial marginalisation in Pakistan 

Economic inequality, defined as unequal access to wealth or income, is considered undesirable with a variety of economic and social consequences. On the economic front, the rising number of poor people causes lower investment in education and health, bearing a negative impact on the future productivity and economic prosperity of nations. Likewise, poverty or a squeezing middle class reduces demand for goods and services which, again, is detrimental to the economic growth of societies. In the social sphere, economic inequality is associated with high crime rate, mental illnesses, suicides, social unrest or class conflict between the haves and the have-nots. In a nutshell, vulnerability or inequality threatens the foundations of a just society and hinders progress by restricting the opportunities available to its citizens.