Rabia ZAFAR*, Asghar ALI** and Zunaira KHURSHID***

Lack of social cohesion increases conflicts among different groups of society and decelerates
the pace of economic growth. The present study aims to investigate the impact of social cohesion
on economic growth in Pakistan. Time series data from 1980 to 2017 were analysed
by employing Johansen’s cointegration approach. Results revealed that education and gender
inequality, poverty, and share of middle class income have a significant impact on economic
growth in the long run, whereas education and gender inequality were insignificant in the
short run. Findings suggested that effective poverty reduction programs should be launched
to eradicate the discrimination between rich and poor. Gender-biased strategies should be designed
to benefit the unprivileged society.