KARACHI:
The recent warning from the World Bank report and the incessant calls from family planning experts about the impending population explosion have failed to ruffle any feathers in Pakistan’s power corridors. The obvious reason for not addressing the problem is that this galloping increase benefits the status quo.
If the population is reduced to an optimal level resulting in quality human resources, then an educated, healthy, and economically strong public will not fall victim to the demagogue politicians’ jugglery. The well-informed masses will hold the rulers responsible and demand action. However, the government can no longer ignore this issue as natural disasters, economic instability, and social unrest are already testing Pakistan’s nerves. Our power-hungry politicians need to realise that the burgeoning population coupled with the aforementioned challenges will drive the country towards chaos.
Most industries do not require an abundance of human resources due to technological advancement and Artificial Intelligence. The need for manual labour is declining. On the other hand, the country is running out of resources to cater to the rising population. We must draw lessons from the developed world that is enjoying wealth along with a controlled population rate. Time is running short; all stakeholders must work together to improve awareness about the consequences of high population growth and encourage people to utilise birth control measures. Local clerics and leaders must be made stakeholders in the process to ensure the success of these efforts.
Gulsher Panhwer
Johi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2023.
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