On World Population Day, the Population Council has highlighted the alarming growth rate of Pakistan’s population, making it the fifth-largest population in the world. With an annual increase of 2.4%, Pakistan’s population is growing faster than any other country in South Asia.
The council’s report reveals concerning statistics, including the tragic fact that 11,000 mothers die during childbirth each year in Pakistan. Additionally, 62 out of every 1,000 children do not survive their first year. The report further highlights that on average, each mother in Pakistan gives birth to four children, contributing to the challenges faced by the country.
Malnutrition remains a pressing issue, affecting 40% of children, while 29% are underweight. Shockingly, 18% of children under the age of five are experiencing stunted growth. These figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions in healthcare, nutrition, and family planning.
The report also emphasizes the growing demand for jobs and housing. By 2040, Pakistan will require over 100 million jobs and 20 million houses to accommodate the expanding population. Moreover, the increasing population has led to a severe water shortage, further exacerbating the country’s resource challenges.
Education is another critical area affected by the population growth. The council estimates that Pakistan will need an additional 85,000 primary schools by 2040, as one in three children currently does not have access to education.
While Pakistan grapples with rapid population growth, neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh have successfully implemented measures to control their population growth rates.
The report sheds light on the need for increased contraceptive usage, as only 34 out of 100 couples in Pakistan currently use contraceptives. It also reveals that unplanned pregnancies are prevalent, with every married couple having, on average, one unplanned child.
Furthermore, joblessness remains a pressing concern, with 12% of people aged 20 to 24 unemployed in Pakistan.
These findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and policies to address population growth, improve healthcare, reduce maternal and child mortality, tackle malnutrition, ensure access to education, and create employment opportunities for Pakistan’s rapidly growing population.
