Balanced population key to Pakistan’s progress

Senators urge religious scholars to create social acceptability of family planning

Increased investment and stronger legislation on family planning programmes could accelerate Pakistan’s progress across social, economic and environmental areas of sustainable development.

This was unanimously agreed by senators from across parties at a consultative dialogue held to discuss Pakistan’s population challenge, hosted by the Population Council in Islamabad with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

In light of a resolution moved by Senator Mushahid Hussain on the alarming rate of population growth in the country, Senators participating in the session presented several constructive proposals and thoughtful observations on aspects of promoting a balanced family size.

Senators emphasised that the alarming increase in our population is a critical national issue which requires immediate attention. It is important to address misperceptions amongst citizens that hinder uptake of family planning services.

Role of religious scholars in creating greater social acceptability of family planning was stressed by the senators. It was suggested that religious leaders should promote responsible parenthood in their sermons at all levels and address religious misperceptions amongst masses. Senators also reiterated the government’s role in providing education to the citizens and focused on the importance of educating girls so that they can make well-informed decisions.

Population Council Country Director Dr Zeba Sathar cited current fertility trends of Pakistan and highlighted the cross-sectoral impact of population growth on the country’s development indicators.

“Six million married women are unable to exercise their right to plan their families due to lack of access to family planning services. If Pakistan was closer to fertility levels of the rest of the region, it could have saved thousands of mothers from dying, would only have 1.6 million out of school children, and have 40 million fewer Pakistanis living in poverty,” Dr Sathar said.

Based on the recommendations of the Council of Common Interest, the new national narrative on population was shared at the dialogue.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2020.