ISLAMABAD, Jan 11: Rural poverty rose from 25 per cent in 1990-91 to 39 per cent in 2000-01. According to a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), urban poverty decreased from 27 per cent to 23 per cent over the same period.

The statistics compiled during the study were discussed in a workshop on the determinants and drivers of poverty reduction and the ADB's contribution, held here on Tuesday.

The study, launched in March 2004, was undertaken to examine the high levels of chronic and transitory rural poverty in Pakistan. It was aimed to help identify appropriate policy and implementation measures that could reduce poverty on sustained basis.

The analysis of diverse processes leading to poverty reduction would enable more focused thinking on policy priorities. Dr Emma Hooper, Poverty and Macro Economic Specialist for ADB in Pakistan, said an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of income and non-income poverty in rural areas was an essential component of Pakistan's efforts towards successful poverty reduction and moving towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals.