The Hollow Middle: Why Growth Isn’t Building a Stable Middle Class in South Asia

Despite impressive GDP numbers, South Asia’s middle class remains fragile, eroded by inequality, informal work, and jobless growth
Bangladesh Receives Record $21.77 Billion in Remittances for FY25
![Remittances boost forex reserves of Bangladesh to $27B, with $21.77B received in FY25 and March hitting a record $3.29B. [Image via Dhaka Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bigstock-macro-shot-of-a-dollar-do-247740397-1550507539832-932dcd9552a057f14308b82a189981af-1024x618.webp)
Remittances boost forex reserves of Bangladesh to $27B, with $21.77B received in FY25 and March hitting a record $3.29B.
Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar Predicts G20 Membership by 2030
![Deputy PM Ishaq Dar affirms Pakistan's economic growth, aims for G20 by 2030, and highlights CCP's role in fair competition. [Image via Profit]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dar-1392x842-1-1024x842.webp)
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar affirms Pakistan’s economic growth, aims for G20 by 2030, and highlights CCP’s role in fair competition.
China Begins Major Political Meetings As US Tariffs Loom
![Top political meetings in China tackle economic challenges, US tariffs, tech innovation, and policy shifts amid global tensions. [Image via AP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3bf81b1a-973d-43ad-eed5-08dd4a81f35f_cx0_cy7_cw0_w1023_r1_s.webp)
Top political meetings in China tackle economic challenges, US tariffs, tech innovation, and policy shifts amid global tensions.
Optimism For Pakistan’s Economy As Fitch Predicts FY25 Recovery
![Fitch predicts Pakistan's positive economic trend in 2025, fueled by structural reforms, growth, and stability. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sidra1738917124-0.webp)
Fitch predicts Pakistan’s positive economic trend in 2025, fueled by structural reforms, growth, and stability.
Survey Reveals Growing Pessimism Among Indians Regarding Quality Of Life
![Survey shows Indians' growing pessimism over quality of life as stagnant wages and rising costs cloud future prospects. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/29175715bbecfa9.webp)
Survey shows Indians’ growing pessimism over quality of life as stagnant wages and rising costs cloud future prospects.
Pakistan’s Economic Surge: Record Remittances, Panda Bond, and Key Investments
![Despite political instability and the Al-Qadir case, Pakistan's economic growth rises with higher remittances and investments. [Image via Policy East]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pak-economy-1-1024x475.webp)
Despite political instability and the Al-Qadir case, Pakistan’s economic growth rises with higher remittances and investments.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Approves Maritime Sector Reforms
![PM Shehbaz Sharif approves comprehensive overhaul and reforms of Pakistan's maritime sector to boost efficiency and competitiveness. [Image via Dawn]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/5c847e20ca2ae.webp)
PM Shehbaz Sharif approves comprehensive overhaul and reforms of Pakistan’s maritime sector to boost efficiency and competitiveness.
Govt unveils ‘Uraan Pakistan’ 5-year National Economic Transformation Plan
![PM Shehbaz Sharif unveils the 2024-29 National Economic Transformation Plan to boost Pakistan’s growth and exports. [Image via PID]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/3120474556c1458.webp)
PM Shehbaz Sharif unveils the 2024-29 National Economic Transformation Plan to boost Pakistan’s growth and exports.
ANP-led Jirga Demands Opening of Pak-Afghan Border
![ANP-led jirga urges reopening of Pak-Afghan border points to boost trade and improve regional economic conditions. [Image via Facebook@BajaurANPTigers]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1261708_2783326_ANP-jirga_akhbar.webp)
ANP-led jirga urges reopening of Pak-Afghan border points to boost trade and improve regional economic conditions.