Population growth disaster

Pakistan is on course to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050, raising concern over who will provide for millions of more citizens considering how lacklustre economic projections are compared to other comparable countries. Even today, Pakistan is the second poorest of the current 10 most populous counties and has consistently underperformed in economic terms all of the other countries that are not considered 'developed'.

With the population expected to rise to 380 million by 2050, the demographic shift is expected to present a profound challenge that requires immediate and coordinated action. While the fertility rate may have decreased from six births per woman in 1994 to 3.6 in 2024, the volume of growth still poses significant threats to the nation's social, economic and environmental stability.

While controlling births is no rocket science, cultural and religious barriers, coupled with gender inequality and limited access to education, have thwarted substantial progress. There remains a deep-rooted reluctance in some communities to adopt family planning practices or ensure equal access to education for girls. Even the public health argument fails in front of most people - we have seen enough of it on polio vaccination.

A burgeoning population exacerbates existing issues such as poverty, unemployment and inadequate healthcare. With over 250 million people already, the country's infrastructure struggles to keep pace. Major cities are witnessing increased pressure on housing, transportation and public services, leading to overcrowded urban centres where opportunities for employment and social mobility are diminishing.

Just four countries —Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo - will account for 43 per cent of global births in 2024. The fact that all three African nations are not only poor, but also plagued by security crises, is another reminder of why we need to stall population growth before it is too late.