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A ‘welfare state’ for Pakistan’s poor?

Noor Bhari, 54, proudly displays her debit card provided under Pakistan’s national Income Support Programme (BISP). Picture: World Bank.

Every week we hear about Pakistan's appalling poverty indicators, some of the worst in the region. Every week somebody declares an 'emergency'. Every week a politician says we must do better. Every week a disillusioned public refuses to believe it …