This book explores the challenges to existing patterns of aid-induced development through the case of Pakistan. Each chapter explores a specific poverty related theme and depicts how Pakistan's poverty alleviation goals can be achieved by working within the system and living within the means. However, realization of this potential has never been a policy objective. As such this book provides a useful understanding of the nature of the state in Pakistan that has led to the failure of development policies.

Fayyaz Baqir has served as CEO of the Trust for Voluntary Organizations (TVO), Senior Civil Society Advisor of the United Nations, and a development professional at Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). He has researched and taught at McGill University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, University of Idaho, Wellesley College, Tilburg University (The Netherlands), Gothenburg University (Sweden), Quaid e Azam University, Punjab University and National Defence University (Pakistan) on themes relating to inclusive governance, participatory development and sustainable change. He received a Top Contributors' Award from UNDP's Global Poverty Reduction Network in 2007 and 2008 and an Outstanding Performance Award from UNDP for creating a vibrant small grants programme for low-income communities in Pakistan. He has travelled to more than 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South America as part of his professional work.

1. NGO's Ladder to Development - knowledge and the Path of Solicitation 2. Access to Water and the Science of Financial Patronage 3. Informal Settlements, Land Mafia and Failure of Government Policy 4. Women Cotton Pickers in Pakistan: Lost Between the Civil Society and the State 5. Why 'Education for All' Does Not Turn into 'All for Education'? 6. Universal Health Coverage; Is Health Micro Insurance the Answer? 7. Poverty Alleviation and Arithmetic of the Poor