An Article on Homelessness in Pakistan
The Numbers and Causes of Homelessness
Homelessness is a significant issue in Pakistan, with an estimated 20 million people lacking adequate housing, which represents about 9% of the total population.1 In major urban centers like Karachi, over 40% of the population lives in slums, and approximately 200,000 people are forced to sleep on the streets. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, are disproportionately affected by homelessness, with a rapidly increasing number of street children, estimated at 1.5 million.2
Several factors contribute to this crisis:
- Multidimensional Poverty: Nearly 40% of Pakistan’s population experiences multidimensional poverty, meaning they lack not only money but also basic necessities like adequate housing, access to clean water and electricity, nutritious food, healthcare, and education.3 This deprivation across multiple areas of life is a leading cause of homelessness.4
- Natural Disasters: Pakistan is highly susceptible to natural disasters, which have displaced millions.5 A devastating earthquake in 2005 left 3 million people homeless, and a flood in 2010 displaced over 10 million.
- Lack of Education: A lack of access to education, especially for girls, limits opportunities for skilled employment and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.6
- Urbanization and Housing Shortage: The country is experiencing a rapid increase in its urban population, leading to a housing crisis.7 The demand for housing far exceeds the supply of affordable units, and government efforts to build shelter homes have been set back.8
- Social and Health Issues: Family issues, domestic violence, and health problems can also lead to people losing their homes. Homeless individuals often face violent abuse and lack access to essential social and medical services.9
What Can Be Done?
Addressing homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach. There are several ways individuals and organizations can help:
- Support Shelter Homes: Donate to or volunteer at government and NGO-run shelters that provide a safe haven, food, and medical care.
- Provide Education and Skills Training: Supporting educational programs can empower individuals to gain skills and secure employment, breaking the cycle of poverty.10
- Contribute to Housing Projects: Donating to initiatives that build affordable and sustainable homes, such as mud houses, can provide immediate shelter solutions.11
- Donate Essential Supplies: You can directly help by providing food, clothing, blankets, and hygiene items.12
- Advocate for Change: Spread awareness and support policies that increase funding for shelter services and housing programs.
Pure Next Foundation’s Efforts
The Pure Next Foundation, with its motto “Nothing More Than Humanity,” is dedicated to addressing critical global challenges, including climate change, hunger, and poverty. However, based on the documents you provided and available public information, there are no specific details on the organization’s work with homeless people or families.
For more information, you can refer to the following sources:
- Pakistan Homeless Statistics | Blog – Muslim Aid
- 7 Realities of Homelessness in Pakistan – The Borgen Project
- Challenges Facing Pakistan’s Shelter Homes – SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan
- Pakistan: Rebuilding Homes, Shelter for the Homeless in Nawabshah | LaunchGood
- Pakistan Relief – United Hands Relief – UHR
- 4 Ways You Can Help The Homeless In Pakistan – Mashion
- The vicious circle of homelessness and urban health: a study of homeless people in Lahore, Pakistan – German Medical Science
- Pakistan: the causes and repercussions of the housing crisis – International Institute for Environment and Development
- Homeless children – The Express Tribune
- Homelessness in Pakistan and Canada – DAWN.COM
- Reports on Help homeless families to sustain – GlobalGiving
- Pakistan Shelter – Iltizam Relief Society
- Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Relief — International Relief
- Shelter – The housing and homelessness charity – Shelter England
- (PDF) Factors Affecting Homelessness in Pakistan: A Case Study of Shelter Homes in Lahore, Pakistan – ResearchGate