POPULATION growth fuels overpopulation, and overpopulation, in turn, entrenches poverty.
This cycle has become one of Pakistan’s most pressing and complex challenges. Since independence, the issue has received intermittent attention from policymakers and successive governments. However, inconsistent policies, political instability, and sensitivity surrounding family planning—often amplified by religious pressures—have prevented sustained and decisive action.
While examples such as Bangladesh are frequently cited for their success in population control, Pakistan has yet to demonstrate comparable commitment or visible results. The consequences of inaction are stark. Each year, Pakistan adds a population roughly equivalent to that of New Zealand. This unprecedented growth places immense strain on governance, infrastructure, and public resources. The demand for electricity, gas, water, housing, healthcare, and road networks continues to surge. Climate change has intensified floods and erratic weather patterns, while environmental degradation worsens. Food insecurity and water scarcity loom large as agricultural land shrinks due to flawed planning and rapid urbanization.
Farmers, the backbone of our agrarian economy, find themselves in a precarious position. Rising costs of fertilizer, diesel, pesticides, hybrid seeds, and electricity—coupled with the discontinuation of support prices under fiscal constraints linked to the International Monetary Fund—have squeezed their margins. The shift toward open market pricing has yet to prove beneficial, particularly during wheat harvesting seasons. Climate volatility and regional water disputes have further undermined rural livelihoods. The widening income divide is equally alarming. Pakistan increasingly appears polarized between extreme poverty and immense wealth, with the middle class under severe pressure. Desperate migration attempts, including tragic boat capsizing incidents involving Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad, reflect deep economic distress.
With summer approaching, environmental management and pollution control demand urgent continuity rather than ad hoc measures. Sustainable governance requires consistent, long-term policy frameworks—not temporary campaigns. Punjab, home to nearly half of Pakistan’s population, holds the key to meaningful reform. The current Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has demonstrated administrative resolve in enforcing traffic regulations and strengthening rule of law. Measures such as stricter penalties for violations, campaigns against child marriage, and initiatives supporting women’s empowerment indicate a governance style rooted in accountability.
However, enforcement must be paired with awareness. Before imposing heavy fines, comprehensive public education campaigns—across print, electronic, and social media—are essential to ensure citizens understand traffic laws and safety protocols. The core issue remains population stabilization. Contraceptive prevalence must rise significantly—from the stagnant 30 percent to at least 60 percent by 2030. Birth spacing, rural health outreach, and incentivizing qualified doctors—especially female practitioners—to serve in underserved areas through competitive packages and safe accommodations could prove transformative. Strengthening rural infrastructure would also curb migration to already overburdened cities.
Innovative models may offer guidance. Iran achieved substantial population reduction through structured premarital counseling and widespread awareness campaigns. Provincial governments in Pakistan could adopt similar frameworks—integrating medical guidance and family planning counseling into marriage registration procedures to promote informed decision-making and maternal health.
Population control is not merely a demographic objective; it is a prerequisite for economic stability, environmental sustainability, and social harmony. Without bold, consistent, and courageous leadership, the “population bomb” will continue to undermine national progress. If addressed with strategic clarity and sustained political will, Pakistan can transition from crisis management to long-term prosperity—ensuring a healthier, wealthier, and more peaceful future for its people.
—The writer is former Executive Director, National Institute of Population Studies.
