Sindh Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho claimed that over 6,000 men have voluntarily undergone vasectomy (nas-bandi) procedures as a measure to prevent having children.
This initiative aims to reduce the physical and emotional burden on women by sharing family planning responsibilities more equally.
She said the Sindh Assembly was the first in the country to pass a strong child marriage restraint law, ensuring girls cannot be forcibly married by their parents before turning eighteen legally.
The minister highlighted that many girls were previously forced into marriages at fourteen or sixteen years, often without understanding the implications. The revised legislation now safeguards their rights and ensures maturity in decision-making.
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Dr Pechuho said Sindh also became the first province to introduce the Reproductive Health Rights Bill, granting women full authority over contraception choices and the number of children they plan to have.
She said women must be recognized as primary decision-makers regarding their bodies. The legislation strengthens their autonomy and ensures no one else can dictate their reproductive choices or family planning preferences.
The minister further revealed that Sindh has processed more than 6,000 vasectomy procedures for men who voluntarily chose not to have children, supporting women by reducing the need for painful tubal ligation surgeries.
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In a male-dominated society, she said these procedures reflect changing attitudes, where men are willingly sharing responsibility.
She said this shift also reinforces women’s reproductive autonomy through expanding health and legal protection measures.
Dr Pechuho highlighted that women’s empowerment involves more than skill development. When women receive their rightful opportunities, they can work independently, support their families, and stand on their own feet.
She said Sindh has taken several steps to expand opportunities for women across many districts, helping them pursue income-generation roles and participate in the local economy without barriers.
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Discussing health infrastructure, she said Sindh Rural Support Organization’s project with the World Bank includes hiring trained community midwives for normal deliveries at district dispensaries to improve maternal health outcomes.
Dr Pechuho added that the Lady Health Worker programme is being expanded to strengthen outreach for maternal health, reproductive counselling, and community-level healthcare services, particularly in underserved rural locations.
She said these initiatives reflect Sindh’s commitment to improving women’s health, enhancing reproductive decision-making, and ensuring long-term systemic support. The minister said the Sindh Health Department continues implementing programs designed to uplift women’s rights and overall well-being.
