Spatial Variations of Public Goods and Inter-District Migration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Inter-district migration within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), particularly toward urban centers like Peshawar, has traditionally been explored through social and cultural lenses, with limited attention given to the role of infrastructure disparities. This study addresses the gap in empirical research by examining how district-level public goods distribution influences migration patterns within KP. Based on an empirical analysis of socio-economic factors, this research investigates the extent to which disparities in infrastructure, such as access to education, healthcare, and utilities, drive migration flows. The findings reveal a significant negative relationship between household fuel usage for cooking and migration, suggesting that improved living conditions may reduce the propensity for migration. Conversely, variables such as fuel for lighting, household occupancy, and reasons for migration exhibit varying degrees of influence, highlighting the complexities of migration decisions. While larger households show a slight decrease in migration likelihood due to relocation challenges, stronger migration motivations align with the push-pull theory, albeit marginally. Moreover, several socio-economic variables, including water sources, marital status, employment, and access to sewerage, were found to have no statistically significant effect on migration. These results emphasize the multifaceted nature of migration, where some factors hold more sway over household decisions than others. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, offering guidance on addressing regional development disparities and formulating policies that promote equitable infrastructure development and balanced growth across KP.