Pakistan’s population is a growing concern, with recent Census results revealing a significant increase. The population has reached over 241 million, a notable leap from the 2017 figure of 207 million. This alarming population explosion, adding 35 million people in just six years, poses economic challenges for a nation already struggling.
The rapid growth of Pakistan’s population is particularly worrying for India, as it fuels tensions and concerns about infiltration at the borders. India must intensify its efforts to prevent such infiltrations from occurring. However, Pakistan also faces the consequences of this population boom. It strains vital resources, weakens the economy, and overwhelms social infrastructure. Factors contributing to the increase include high birth rates, limited access to family planning services, cultural norms, and religious beliefs.
The United Nations projects that Pakistan’s population could reach a staggering 403 million by 2050 if the current growth rate remains unchecked. This will present numerous challenges, including increased pressure on resources, inadequate healthcare facilities, and strained educational institutions. The demand for food, water, housing, and energy has already surged, resulting in scarcity of resources and environmental degradation.
Furthermore, the UN predicts that Pakistan’s working-age population will peak around 2050, presenting an opportunity for sustained economic growth. However, due to a lack of foresight and political will, Pakistan has failed to capitalize on this potential. A modelling study by the UN Population Fund suggests that nearly 35% of Pakistan’s population could fall below the poverty line by 2030. Food insecurity, stunted growth in children, low proficiency in reading, lack of access to safe drinking water, and the growth of slums are all concerning projections for the country.
To address these challenges, Pakistan must prioritize population policies and integrate them into development initiatives. It is crucial for Islamabad to increase public financing for family planning, including the procurement of contraceptives and expansion of healthcare programs like Lady Health Workers (LHWs). Public-private partnerships must also be encouraged.
Immediate action is crucial as Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. Failing to address the population issue may lead to long-lasting socioeconomic challenges. By prioritizing population policy, making strategic interventions, and empowering individuals with education, Pakistan has the potential to transform these challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and improved quality of life for future generations.
Additionally, Pakistan’s healthcare system is burdened by the rapid population growth. Maternal and child mortality rates are increasing, and the burden of disease is intensifying. The lack of sufficient family planning and birth control measures contribute to Pakistan’s population growth. In many areas, there is resistance to adopting modern contraceptive methods, and families have more children than they can support. Empowering individuals with education about family planning and reproductive health is essential to break the cycle of high population growth.
India, already dealing with routine infiltrations at the border, faces a greater danger with Pakistan’s increasing population. India must take stronger measures to prevent such infiltrations, safeguarding national and internal security. India cannot let its demography be held hostage to the economic turmoil of its neighbors.
Pakistan must invest in quality education, promote gender equality, and advocate comprehensive reproductive health education. The society needs to be informed and empowered, and cultural norms that prioritize larger families need to change. Open dialogues about reproductive health systems and breaking the stigma surrounding birth control can empower individuals to make informed choices about their family size, contributing to sustainable population growth. In doing so, the pressure on India will ease, but whether Pakistan can make these changes remains uncertain.