Infrastructure Development and Life Expectancy in Pakistan: A Time Series Analysis

Abstract

This research investigated the correlation between life expectancy and various determinants, including health infrastructure, personnel, environmental quality, transportation, and income, utilizing data from 1991 to 2023. Analytical methods such as ARDL and ARDL-ECM demonstrated both immediate and sustained associations. Past enhancements in life expectancy exert limited influence on present levels. In the short term, increases in healthcare personnel positively impact life expectancy, whereas health infrastructure exhibits negative effects in the short run and positive effects in the long run. CO2 emissions adversely affect life expectancy across both temporal frameworks. Economic growth may temporarily reduce life expectancy but has the potential to augment it in the long term. Transportation services display detrimental short-term effects and beneficial long-term effects. Investment in healthcare personnel and infrastructure is vital, whereas environmental degradation undermines life expectancy. Enhancing road networks and transportation systems is advantageous for health outcomes.