‘Population growth exhausting resources’

Seminar organised in connection with Family Planning Week

FAISALABAD: MPA Najma Afzal said on Wednesday that controlling population growth was necessary for national development and prosperity.

The lawmaker made the remarks while addressing a seminar organised by the Population Welfare Department at the Zila Council Hall in connection with the Family Planning Week. Afzal said unchecked population growth was exhausting resources and impeding national development. She said it was binding on citizens to plan the size of their families in accordance with the resources they had at their disposal.

The MPA said having a small family went a long way in guaranteeing prosperity. Therefore, she said, everyone should collectively strive to overcome the challenge and proactively try to curb rampant population growth.

Psychiatrist Imtiaz Dogar said the risk of maternal mortality was greater for women who got pregnant at the age of 35 years or above. He stressed the need for a hiatus between children. Dogar said this was imperative for both, mothers’ mental and physical health. He said it was best for aspiring parents to wait for three years before having another child.

MPA Madiha Rana, Population Welfare DO Farkhanda Almas and AC Rafia Haider also spoke on the occasion and shed light on the importance of have small families. A walk was also organised following the conclusion of the seminar. Those present on the occasion gathered at the Zila Council Chowk and made their way towards the Clock Tower Chowk. The participants held banners and placards inscribed with messages regarding the importance of family planning.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2016.