Qazi Jamshed Alam Siddiqui
PAKISTAN faces a rapid population surge, with an estimated population nearing 260 million and an annual growth rate of roughly 2.5%. Ranking as the fifth most populous country globally, the nation adds over 4 million people each year, straining public infrastructure, food security and economic stability. One of the most critical issues Pakistan faces is overpopulation, significantly impacting the country’s economy. As the world’s fifth most populated country, Pakistan must address the economic challenges caused by this demographic pressure.
Excessive population growth burdens both natural and financial resources. Limited resources are strained by the growing population’s demands for food, energy and water. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics warns that Pakistan’s water resources are severely depleted and could become water-scarce in near future. Joblessness and underemployment are exacerbated by overpopulation. In 2023, the unemployment rate was projected to be 6.3%, but this figure does not account for the many underemployed individuals working in informal sectors or part-time jobs for inadequate pay.
This surplus labor limits economic mobility and depresses wages, perpetuating social inequality and poverty. Overpopulation also strains healthcare and education systems. Schools are overcrowded, resulting in lower educational quality. This lack of education reduces workforce skills, hindering innovation and economic growth. Healthcare services face similar pressures. Public health institutions are often overcrowded and under-resourced, leading to inadequate medical services.
Rapid population growth has led to unchecked urbanization, with cities expanding faster than infrastructure can support. Major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad face acute housing crises, resulting in the proliferation of slums and informal settlements. These areas often lack basic amenities such as electricity, clean water and sanitation, exacerbating poor living conditions and health problems. Increased demand for land leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity and destruction of natural ecosystems.
Food security is another major issue linked to overpopulation. Agricultural production must increase to meet growing demand, but challenges such as water scarcity, land degradation and outdated farming methods hinder productivity. The wealth gap tends to widen with overpopulation. The wealthy can afford better living conditions, healthcare and education, while the poor struggle to meet basic needs. This disparity fuels social unrest and increases the risk of instability, hindering economic growth.
Addressing the economic impacts of overpopulation, policies promoting family planning and education programs to slow population growth are essential. Without adopting effective measures, population pressures will continue to hinder Pakistan’s economic potential and the overall quality of life for its citizens. By implementing appropriate policies and addressing the root causes, Pakistan can leverage its young population to drive economic growth and development, turning demographic challenges into opportunities.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
