World Happiness Day: Why Pakistan Scores Low On Happiness Scale?

Pakistan is lauded in the world as a resilient nation despite facing years of terrorism, climate-induced disasters, political and economic turmoil but when we see Pakistani society, we see unhappiness and despair. This article discusses the factors that are causing unhappiness in Pakistani society.

The World Happiness Report is a survey conducted by the United Nations to assess the subjective well-being and happiness of people in different countries. According to the 2021 World Happiness Report, Pakistan ranked 105 out of 149 countries, with a score of 4.934 out of 10. This score is based on factors such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. While Pakistan’s happiness score is below the global average. 

In recent years, Pakistan has endured huge losses due to political upheaval, climate-induced disasters and economic distress that has contributed to overall unhappiness in the society. 

There are many factors that can contribute to the overall happiness or unhappiness of a society, and it can be difficult to pinpoint any single cause. In the case of Pakistan, some possible reasons why its society may be unhappy include:

1. Economic challenges: Pakistan faces significant economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. These factors can have a negative impact on people’s sense of well-being and happiness.
2. Political instability: Pakistan has experienced significant political instability in recent years, including coups, military rule, and a long-standing conflict with India over the disputed territory of Kashmir. This instability can lead to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety among the population.
3. Social issues: Pakistan also faces a range of social issues, including gender inequality, religious extremism, and violence against minorities. These factors can contribute to a sense of social unrest and dissatisfaction.
4. Infrastructure and basic services: Pakistan also faces challenges related to infrastructure and basic services, including inadequate access to healthcare, education, and clean water. These challenges can negatively impact people’s quality of life and overall happiness.

Psychological stressors can also contribute to the overall unhappiness in Pakistani society. Some possible sources of psychological stressors in Pakistan include:

1. Trauma and violence: Pakistan has experienced a significant amount of violence and conflict, including terrorist attacks, sectarian violence, and political unrest. Exposure to traumatic events can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues, which can impact a person’s overall well-being and happiness.
2. Climate-induced mental health stressors: Pakistan has faced multiple climate-caused disasters which have impacted the psychological well-being of people. 
3. The stigma around mental health: Mental health issues are often stigmatized in Pakistani society, which can make it difficult for people to seek help when they need it. This can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness, which can contribute to overall unhappiness.
4. Limited access to mental healthcare: Pakistan has a limited number of mental healthcare providers and resources, which can make it difficult for people to access the care they need. This can lead to untreated mental health issues and a lack of support, which can contribute to overall unhappiness.
5. Pressure to conform to societal expectations: Pakistani society has strong cultural norms and expectations around gender roles, family dynamics, and religion. These expectations can create pressure for individuals to conform, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of dissatisfaction.

Pakistan is a country which is rich in history, talent and possibilities given that the society is given security, awareness and chance to evolve.