Multidimensional Child Poverty Measurement and its Mapping: Case of Balochistan, Pakistan

The progress of Pakistan remained poor in human development indicators, especially health, education, stunting, living standard, food security, malnutrition and unemployment. It is a very alarming condition for the Pakistan future that 44 percent of children under five years old are facing stunting. It is notable that poverty levels in Balochistan province of Pakistan are comparatively high. This study uses Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (2010) data of Balochistan for estimation of multidimensional child poverty and deprivation in multiple dimensions using Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (MODA). The results show that 71% children under five years of age are deprived in nutrition, health, child development, housing and sanitation. A significant difference exists between rural (75%) and urban (57%) multidimensional children deprivation. The study results call for more investment in child poverty reduction programs by provencial and central governments. The focus should be on provision of economic opportunities, improvement in health facilities, strict action for compulsory education and actions for better nourishment to reduce child poverty.