Uncontrolled population growth rate affecting Pakistan

Soon after separation, Bangladesh’s population was around 71 million whereas Pakistan’s population was 62 million at that time. However after 40 years, Pakistan’s population increasing at a precipitous rate has crossed 180 million whereas Bangladesh’s population
now is 150 million.

This staggering increase is the prime cause for increased social and economical hitches Pakistan is currently enduring. Majority of people are living below poverty line, in-equality has annexed, inflation has reached new heights and child mortality rate
is also on the high.

Both countries have the same culture, but why there is such a huge difference in population rate over this period?

It is because of their government’s commitment to control the population. They knew they will suffer economically if they don’t keep a check on population. Whereas Pakistan’s government never focused on this issue that now has become chronic and troubling
Pakistan in the worst way possible.

If government does not come up with a strategy to control population soon, Pakistan will face serious consequences in the long. According to a study, the reason for uncontrolled population growth rate is primarily illiteracy.

Chief executive of Marie Stopes International (an organization that offers expert, supportive advice on abortion, vasectomy and sexual health) was in Pakistan a few weeks back. Focusing on the need for population growth and government’s role in it, he said

“Leaders in many countries find scapegoats to deny responsibility. In India the government took responsibility and focused on the issue, Pakistan needs to do the same.”

According to a survey, an average family in a city comprises of four people whereas in rural areas of Pakistan, due to illiteracy, the figure is astonishing 8 and most of Pakistani population lies in rural areas so no wonder why population has increased
at such a rate.

Family planning program was introduced in Pakistan some two decades ago, however it did not work as was expected. Most lady workers that are stationed at villages face serious problems accessing women in rural areas and guiding them about contraceptives.

Women’s health is also seriously affected if she continues to give birth without a break. Every year in Pakistan, thousands of women die because of this.

A study suggests that over 10 million women in Pakistan want to use contraceptives however the its unavailability denies them to give sufficient time between babies.

Government should at least make sure, such women get access to it. Doing this alone can help slashing the population growth rate by quite a percentage.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=2008

Posted by Farhan Khalid on Oct 29 2011. Filed under Opinion, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry