An attempt has been made to map the incidence of uni-dimensional and multi-dimensional poverty
simultaneously arguably for the first time in Pakistan. While multi-dimensional poverty map is calculated
using PSLM 2010-11; small area estimation technique is utilized to map uni-dimensional poverty using
both nationally representative HIES (Household Integrated Economic Survey) and district-level
representative PSLM (Pakistan Standard of Living Measurement) for the same year of 2010-11. The
result indicates the existence of spatial distribution of poverty pockets in each of the four provinces of
Pakistan. Furthermore, it is also observed that these pockets of poverty are more concentrated in the
desert and mountains regions of the country. Along with this, the poverty mapping exercise has shed light
on the fact that poverty has a negative feedback effect implying that underdevelopment breeds further
underdevelopment. Moreover, one overwhelming pattern observed is that extent of poverty exuberates
when attention is turned to multi-dimensional poverty from uni-dimensional poverty measure. This hints
towards a largely underdevelopment social sector in the country. However, as mentioned above, the
performance of the social sector also has a geographical character with Punjab having a relatively
stronger social sector track-record. Resultantly, Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan are lagging behind
drastically in terms of social sector performance. Subsequently, it is found that Balochistan and KPK are
the poorest regions multidimensionally along with Southern Sindh. In light of this, it is suggested that
nationally representative policies for poverty alleviation integrate need for geographical poverty
targeting.