According to the United Nations’ World Fertility Report 2024, Pakistan has experienced a notable decline in its fertility rate. From 6 children per woman in 1994, the rate has fallen to 3.6 in 2024, marking a 2.4% decrease over the past three decades. This drop is part of a broader global trend where fertility rates are decreasing across many regions.
The report indicates that 1.8 billion people, or 22% of the global population, now reside in 63 countries and territories that are in the early to middle stages of demographic transition. These areas are expected to see further declines in fertility rates post-2054, making population management an increasingly important issue.
The report highlights the need for governments in regions still undergoing demographic transitions to strengthen laws protecting the rights of girls and women, such as prohibiting child marriage and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and education.
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Globally, fertility rates have been declining for the past fifty years, with the worldwide fertility rate dropping from 4.8 births per woman in 1970 to 2.2 in 2024. Today, women are having, on average, one fewer child than they did in 1990 when the rate was 3.3.
The report emphasizes that interventions targeting teenage pregnancies could have a significant impact on reducing birth rates. These measures would not only accelerate the decline in fertility rates but also offer socio-economic benefits, improving health outcomes and providing more opportunities for young girls and women in education and employment.
In summary, the report signals a shift in global population trends, and Pakistan is experiencing these changes as well. The decline in fertility rates could lead to better resource management and an improved quality of life. However, it also underscores the importance of implementing policies focused on education, healthcare, and the empowerment of women and girls to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.
