Pakistan, June 12 -- Pakistan continues to trail the South Asian region in several major health indicators despite gradual improvements in healthcare services and outcomes, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released by the government.

The survey shows that Pakistan's public spending on health remains below one per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocating only Rs19.37 billion for the health sector during the fiscal year.

While life expectancy at birth in Pakistan increased from 66.5 years in 2018 to 67.8 years in 2024, it remains significantly below the South Asian average of 72.6 years. The country also records higher maternal and infant mortality rates compared...