Pakistan’s population is projected to exceed 300 million by 2030 and reach nearly 390 million by 2050, according to a briefing presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The projections have renewed concerns over the country’s rapidly growing population and the challenges it poses for economic development, healthcare, education, housing, and public services.
The estimates were shared during a committee meeting chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, where officials reviewed the country’s population growth trends, ongoing population control measures, and progress on key demographic initiatives.
Director General Health at the Ministry of National Health Services, Dr. Abdul Wali Khan, briefed lawmakers on the government’s efforts to manage population growth through the National Action Plan and other family planning initiatives.
During the meeting, officials highlighted that Pakistan continues to experience one of the highest population growth rates in the region. If current trends continue, the country’s population is expected to cross the 300 million mark within the next four years before reaching approximately 390 million by the middle of the century.
The committee discussed the potential impact of rapid population growth on national resources, warning that increasing pressure on healthcare, education, employment, food security, infrastructure, and social services could create significant development challenges if not addressed through effective long-term planning.
A major concern raised during the meeting was the prolonged delay in completing the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS), a nationwide study that provides critical data for policymaking.
Officials informed the committee that the survey, which is normally conducted every five years, remains incomplete despite eight years having passed since the previous assessment. The delay has limited the government’s ability to obtain updated and reliable demographic and health data needed for evidence-based policy decisions.
Lawmakers expressed serious concern over the delay, noting that outdated population statistics make it difficult to design effective development programs and accurately assess the country’s changing demographic trends.
The committee directed the relevant authorities to complete the delayed demographic and health survey by June, emphasizing that updated population data is essential for national planning and resource allocation.
Officials also briefed lawmakers on the implementation of the National Action Plan aimed at slowing Pakistan’s population growth.
According to the briefing, the government allocated Rs. 2 billion under the National Action Plan to strengthen family planning services and improve access to reproductive healthcare across the country.
The committee was informed that approximately 11 million contraceptive products were purchased in 2022 as part of these efforts. However, officials acknowledged that a significant quantity of those products remains unused in the market, raising concerns about the effectiveness of awareness campaigns, distribution mechanisms, and public access to family planning services.
Committee members discussed the need to improve public awareness regarding family planning and ensure that available healthcare resources are effectively utilized. They emphasized that population management requires coordinated efforts involving healthcare providers, educational institutions, community organizations, and provincial governments.
The meeting also reviewed broader government initiatives aimed at addressing Pakistan’s rising population.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif established the National Population Council, which has been tasked with developing a comprehensive national strategy to address the country’s growing population and strengthen coordination among federal and provincial institutions.
The council is expected to formulate long-term policy recommendations focusing on population management, reproductive health, education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.
Lawmakers stressed that managing population growth is critical for Pakistan’s future economic stability and social development. They noted that achieving sustainable growth will require updated demographic data, effective implementation of population policies, improved healthcare services, and stronger public awareness campaigns.
The Senate committee reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring progress on the National Action Plan and urged relevant ministries to accelerate reforms aimed at ensuring balanced population growth and sustainable national development.
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