Pakistan Faces Population Challenges on World Population Day

On World Population Day, the Population Council released data highlighting the population challenges faced by Pakistan. With an annual population growth rate of 2.4 percent, Pakistan has become the fifth most populous country in the world and has the highest population growth rate in Asia.

The data reveals concerning statistics, such as 11,000 mothers dying during childbirth each year and 62 out of every 1,000 children dying before the age of one. On average, every mother in Pakistan gives birth to four children, contributing to the population growth. Additionally, 40% of children suffer from malnutrition, and 29% are underweight.

The figures also indicate that 18% of children under five years of age are not growing properly. The projected future demands are daunting, with the need for over 100 million jobs and 20 million houses annually by 2040. Water scarcity is another significant challenge arising from the population increase.

Education is another area greatly impacted, as Pakistan will require 85,000 more primary schools by 2040, and one in three children in Pakistan currently does not attend school.

Also Read: Sharjah Government Announces Islamic New Year Holiday Dates for Public Sector Employees

In comparison, India and Bangladesh have been relatively successful in controlling their population growth.

The Population Council highlights that only 34 out of 100 couples in Pakistan use contraceptives, and on average, every married couple has one unplanned child. Furthermore, unemployment is a concern, with 12% of people aged 20 to 24 not having jobs in Pakistan.

Addressing these population challenges is crucial for Pakistan’s sustainable development and the well-being of its citizens. Efforts to promote family planning, improve healthcare, enhance education access, and create employment opportunities will play a vital role in managing the population growth and addressing the associated socio-economic issues.