Pakistan’s Population Soars to 241.49 Million, Urgent Action Needed on Overpopulation Crisis
The official results of Pakistan’s first-ever digital census have revealed that the country’s population has reached a staggering 241.49 million in 2023, marking a significant increase from 207.68 million in 2017. The approval of these results in the Council of Common Interest (CCI) meeting on August 5, 2023 has highlighted the urgent need to address the overpopulation crisis in Pakistan.
The overpopulation issue in Pakistan is a pressing concern that has hindered equitable growth and plunged the nation into socio-economic stagnation. Some scholars argue that overpopulation is a blessing for Pakistan, given its labor-intensive agrarian nature. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the adverse consequences of overpopulation, such as child labor, human trafficking, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare and educational resources.
Empirical evidence supports the fact that Pakistan is one of the most overpopulated countries globally. Since gaining independence in 1947, the nation’s population has skyrocketed from 32.5 million to 241.49 million in 2023. Disturbingly, the United Nations predicts that this figure will continue to rise to 262.96 million by 2030 and 338.01 million by 2050.
Addressing the overpopulation challenge requires concerted efforts from both the government and the people. The devolution of the Population Welfare Ministry’s functions to provincial governments following the 18th Amendment necessitates a collective responsibility. While some provinces have taken steps to implement population control policies, comprehensive action is still needed.
The increasing population poses severe threats to the country, including pollution, inadequate healthcare facilities, water scarcity, high infant and maternal mortality rates, and malnutrition. The root causes of this population surge can be attributed to a lack of family planning, limited awareness of contraceptive usage – particularly prevalent in rural areas, and complex factors such as migration, disasters, mortality rates, family structures, and inconsistent government policies.
Given the detrimental impact of overpopulation, it is crucial to evaluate the implementation of population control policies. The provincial bodies, including the population welfare departments and the national bodies like the Ministry of National Health Services and the Population Council, Pakistan, have been actively working on family planning programs to increase contraceptive prevalence. The newly introduced ‘Tawazun’ program aims to establish a balance between population growth and available resources.
Challenges such as illiteracy, poverty, and a lack of educational services exacerbate the negative consequences of Pakistan’s high population growth. To mitigate these issues, increased investment in the social sector, particularly healthcare and education, is vital. While international organizations like WHO, UNFPA, and UNICEF are supporting Pakistan through various programs and investments, political stability remains crucial for sustainable economic and social sector development.
Religious beliefs also play a significant role in family planning decisions in Pakistan. In many cases, individuals and families rely solely on divine providence without adequate knowledge of the consequences. Addressing this issue requires state intervention in the form of awareness campaigns, sex education in schools, and the promotion of proper and safe usage of contraceptives.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s population has reached alarming levels, necessitating urgent action to combat the overpopulation crisis. By prioritizing effective population control policies, investing in the social sector, and addressing educational and healthcare challenges, Pakistan can work towards a healthier, prosperous, and sustainable future while ensuring the proper utilization of scarce resources.
