Where Pakistan Stands Globally Today

 

Pakistan's performance in global indexes

Introduction

Pakistan, a nation of over 240 million people, occupies a pivotal position in South Asia. From its economic standing to educational development, military strength, and technological growth, Pakistan's performance in various global indexes reflects its progress and challenges. This blog explores Pakistan’s global ranking across diverse sectors in 2025, providing a comprehensive overview of its international image and comparison with other nations.

Pakistan’s Economic Position in Global Rankings

As of 2025, Pakistan's GDP global ranking places it around the 45th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. While it holds promise due to its young labor force and emerging industries, several factors such as inflation, foreign debt, and political instability impact its economic position.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index, Pakistan ranks low due to issues like inadequate infrastructure and complex regulations. In South Asia rankings, Pakistan falls behind India and Bangladesh in ease of doing business and global competitiveness.

Key economic indicators:

  • Pakistan global competitiveness: Rank 113 out of 141

  • Corruption index: Rank 140 out of 180

  • Public service index: Still below global average

  • Poverty ranking: Among top 20 globally for poverty headcount

Education: A Sector in Need of Urgency

Pakistan’s education ranking in global comparisons reveals a significant lag. The literacy ranking remains low, especially among women, with large disparities between urban and rural regions.

  • Literacy rate: Approximately 58%

  • Pakistan education ranking (UNESCO): Among bottom 20%

  • Global education comparison: Pakistan ranks well below global average

In Pakistan vs India ranking, India outpaces Pakistan significantly in higher education institutions, global university rankings, and enrollment rates.

Healthcare and Human Development

In terms of the Human Development Index (HDI), Pakistan is classified under “medium human development” but ranks below global average.

  • Pakistan HDI ranking (2025): 161 out of 191 countries

  • Healthcare ranking: Among bottom 30 globally

  • Life expectancy: 66 years (global average: 73)

Pakistan health care ranking remains poor due to underfunding, lack of access, and poor infrastructure. Moreover, Pakistan struggles with diseases like hepatitis and maternal mortality, pushing it lower on global health indexes.

Military and Defense Rankings

One area where Pakistan continues to rank competitively is defense. According to the Global Firepower Index, Pakistan military ranking stands among the top 10 in the world due to a large standing army, strategic location, and nuclear capabilities.

  • Pakistan military strength: Rank 9 out of 145 nations

  • Nuclear capability: Estimated 160+ warheads

  • Defense budget: $11 billion

Despite regional tensions, Pakistan’s global ranking in military terms reinforces its geopolitical importance.

Technology, Internet, and Innovation

The Pakistan technology ranking remains modest. The country lags behind in terms of innovation, research spending, and digital readiness.

  • Global Innovation Index: Rank 105 out of 132

  • Internet penetration ranking: Less than 40% of the population

  • Pakistan infrastructure ranking: Below regional average

However, startups in fintech, e-commerce, and ed-tech are rising. With better investment, Pakistan’s global progress in tech could accelerate.

Corruption and Governance

According to Transparency International, Pakistan corruption index remains a serious concern. The country’s score in governance, rule of law, and press freedom keeps it lower on global indexes.

  • Corruption Perception Index: Rank 140/180

  • Democracy Index: Classified as a “hybrid regime”

  • Press Freedom Index: Rank 150/180

These rankings reflect a need for judicial reforms, better transparency, and freedom of speech.

Environmental and Climate Rankings

Pakistan is ranked among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, yet its environmental ranking remains underdeveloped.

  • Air quality index: One of the worst globally

  • Water stress index: Extremely high risk

  • Pakistan global peace index: Rank 152/163, partly due to climate migration pressures

Urban pollution, deforestation, and poor waste management hinder Pakistan’s global image on environmental issues.

Comparison With Regional and Global Countries

In a Pakistan vs India ranking, India outperforms Pakistan in most sectors, including technology, education, health, and innovation. However, Pakistan’s military strength, strategic diplomacy, and youth potential still give it a prominent position in developing countries.

Pakistan's rank in Asia: In most indexes, Pakistan falls behind regional peers like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

Global Perception and Pakistan’s Image

Despite challenges, Pakistan is improving its international profile. Events like Expo Pakistan, international cricket tours, and CPEC projects improve Pakistan’s international perception.

The country is also active in peacekeeping missions and global forums, trying to reshape its global standing.

Conclusion: Challenges and Opportunities

The global ranking of Pakistan presents a mixed picture. While the country struggles in areas like education, healthcare, innovation, and governance, it shows strength in defense, diplomacy, and regional influence.

To improve Pakistan global ranking further, the country must:

  • Invest in human development

  • Tackle corruption and inequality

  • Reform the education and health systems

  • Promote technological innovation

By addressing these areas, Pakistan’s development ranking can rise, reshaping its future for generations to come.

Location: Pakistan

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