01786cas a2200241 a 4500 AALejournalIMF017801 230101c9999 xx r poo 0 0eng d 5.00 USD 9781484309766 1934-7685 BD-DhAAL BD-DhAAL International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept. Pakistan : Selected Issues. Washington, D.C. : International Monetary Fund, 2017. 1 online resource (71 pages) IMF Staff Country Reports <strong>Off-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required <strong>On-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required Electronic access restricted to authorized BRAC University faculty, staff and students This Selected Issues paper provides an overview of social safety nets (SSNs) in Pakistan and uses a frontier analysis approach to assess their efficiency in reducing poverty and inequality. SSNs in Pakistan were significantly strengthened over time but remain small against regional and emerging markets' averages. The analysis suggests that stepping up public expenditure in SSNs is needed to alleviate still high poverty and inequality. To this end, finalizing the update of the Benazir Income Support Program beneficiaries' database, broadening its coverage, and stepping up educational transfers is key. In parallel, continuing the energy subsidies reform would create fiscal space to strengthen SSNs and priority social spending. Mode of access: Internet IMF Staff Country Reports; Country Report ; No. 2017/213 Full text available on IMF http://elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2017/213/002.2017.issue-213-en.xml IMF e-Library