Family planning in Pakistan is a taboo topic that is met with reluctance in the lower strata of society
KARACHI: Family planning in Pakistan is a taboo topic that is not only met with reluctance in the lower strata of society but also among the highly educated segment. This is one reason the population in the country has witnessed a staggering increase over the years. However, a lack of understanding and hesitation surrounding family planning affects the lower strata much more than the upper class. Many families from poor households are left with no option but to abandon their increasing offspring on streets or in cradles at welfare houses owing to poverty. In either case the child reaches a welfare home only to be left with psychological problems owing to abandonment by loved ones.
This past year has seen a surge in the number of abandoned children with 636 reported cases, most of them aged between 16 and 18. In fact, the last two months alone witnessed 11 underage children being dropped off at the Edhi centre and police stations in various parts of Karachi. Though in rare cases parents have returned to take their children back when their economic condition had improved and they were able to afford them, many are left ‘orphaned’ forever. Considering the present state of affairs, it becomes important to raise awareness about family planning. Welfare centres may be able to provide a child with basic necessities but not the affection and care that comes from staying among their own.
Zakir Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2017.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
