Even after 70 years of independence, development and growth in Pakistan still portrays a stagnant economic and political portfolio. With a gnawing gap between rich and the poor, politics and power remains in the hands of a few. Race, gender, economy and geography are some manifestations of inequalities leading to perpetuating poverty. Government and donors come up with innovative development designs and jargons to address these chronic ailments, but social inclusion appears to be Pakistan’s intergenerational legacy. The region has become a repository of policy interventions coming out of Copenhagen and New York, instead of Islamabad. Even though economic gurus claim that Pakistan has experienced economic growth but has it really brought improvement in the lives of disadvantaged social groups? 

Through secondary data, the paper will look at both sides of the spectrum - the dark side where there is growth without inclusion; and the cases which can be showcased as having led to economic uplift through social inclusion. It will explore new governance structures, system spaces, and equality opportunities that exist and can be tapped to reduce inequity and inequalities in the country.