A staggering economic challenge is unfolding across Pakistan, with nearly one in three districts now home to a larger non-working-age population than a working one, according to a stark revelation from the District Vulnerability Index Pakistan (DVIP) 2025.

Acccording to a report by Free and Fair Election Network released today, the data on the age dependency ratio (ADR)-a measure comparing individuals below 15 and above 64 years to the working-age population-shows a critical imbalance. An ADR of 100 or above signifies that the dependent-age population has surpassed the number of working-age individuals.

According to the DVIP findings, a total of 45 out of 129 districts nationwide have recorded such a concerning ratio. A significant commonality among these districts is that all are predominantly rural, presenting a sharp contrast to the national picture where over 60 percent of the population is within the 15-64 working-age bracket.

An analysis of provincial data shows Balochistan is the most severely affected, containing 26 districts where dependents outnumber the workforce. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa follows with 11 such districts, while Sindh and Punjab have six and two districts respectively facing this demographic pressure.

At the district level, Zhob in Balochistan registered the highest age dependency ratio in the country at 157, meaning there are 157 dependents for every 100 working-age people. In contrast, Karachi South reported the nation’s lowest ratio at 57.

Provincial disparities are also pronounced. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kohistan recorded the highest ADR at 147 against Abbottabad’s lowest at 67. Punjab’s highest ratio was noted in Rajanpur at 105, while Jhelum had the province’s lowest at 59. Similarly, Sindh’s Tharparkar district recorded a high of 123. Within Balochistan, Kech recorded the province’s most favourable ratio.

The report links the higher dependency ratios in these rural areas to a combination of factors. These include high fertility rates, larger household sizes, and the out-migration of working-age people seeking employment opportunities not available locally. The situation is further compounded by low female labour force participation and restricted access to education and family planning services.