KARACHI:
Pakistan ranks as the fifth most populous country in the world with a population of nearly 229 million people. The absence of awareness about family planning and contraceptive methods coupled with a lack of government interest has led to an unbridled increase in population. Religious factions have also impeded efforts to inform people about family planning.
Now with depleting resources, rising food insecurity, and water shortages, Pakistan is faced with serious challenges. A large proportion of the population is already living in abject poverty and will soon be faced with hunger, homelessness, disease, etc as the country will run out of resources. Mass rural to urban migration has increased illegal settlements in urban areas. The frail healthcare system is unable to cater to the needs of everyone. There is an excess supply of labour with limited employment opportunities. This has contributed to unemployment and is driving up the crime rate because people are growing desperate and agitated. Intensifying and changing weather patterns are causing yet another problem compelling people to migrate to other areas that are already densely populated.
The government needs to take urgent steps to curb population growth. People must be informed of the harmful effect of a large population and the emerging risks. Importantly, a widespread campaign should be launched to inform people about family planning and encourage them to seek medical assistance for the use of contraceptive methods. To ensure a far-reaching impact, religious clerics and community leaders must be involved in these campaigns.
Aftab Jamali
Larkana
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2022.
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