KARACHI:
Whilst everyone’s attention is diverted toward the economic and political turmoil, a bigger threat in the form of an ever-increasing population is emerging. The country’s population is expected to nearly triple in the coming years. Should this happen, it will not be a blessing but a burden on the country’s depleting resources and the declining economy. Even Muslim countries like Iran have managed population growth effectively by reducing fertility rates from 5% to 2.3%. Iran’s policymakers have done a tremendous job by disseminating family planning awareness.
Some reasons for our burgeoning population include regressive cultural norms, family pressure, a lack of agency, etc which compel most women to bear children. This is furthered by religious factions that have obstructed awareness campaigns for family planning and contraceptive methods. Resultantly, most women continue to bear children and are often faced with grave health risks. We are already experiencing the consequences of a high population in the form of high rates of illiteracy, disease, poverty, unemployment, and crime. With changes in weather patterns and the depletion of resources, the country will fail to accommodate and cater to the needs of everyone in a few years.
Pakistani policymakers and the public have side-lined the issue for decades but now the problem is glaring at us. The country’s policymakers need to undertake immediate comprehensive measures to address it. A widespread family planning campaign should be initiated to inform people of the harmful impact of a high population rate. Polyclinics and general hospitals should be equipped with adequate healthcare support to help women and couples make informed decisions about childbearing.
Anwish Shafi Muhammad
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2022.
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