BEYOND 242 MILLION: PAKISTAN'S PATH TO DEMOGRAPHIC STABILITY

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
Islamabad

    After the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (1593-1631) during childbirth, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) decided to build the magnificent Taj Mahal as a timeless tribute to their enduring love. This iconic mausoleum is now recognized worldwide as a symbol of devotion and affection between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

    On the other hand, Dashrath Manjhi, known as the "Mountain Man," demonstrated unparalleled loyalty and dedication by tirelessly carving a path through a mountain to improve access to healthcare for his village. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of his community showcases a different yet equally profound form of devotion.

    These two individuals embody different manifestations of loyalty and dedication, with Shah Jahan paying homage to love and Manjhi dedicating himself to the welfare of his village. Despite their differing paths, both Shah Jahan and Manjhi have left lasting legacies that continue to inspire people around the world.

    However, the debate over who was the true lover between Shah Jahan and Manjhi still continues in the sub-continent, even though both men displayed incredible devotion to their wives after their deaths during pregnancy but in different ways.

    Amidst the storm of political unrest, economic downturn, and widening class difference in Pakistan, the proletariat's battle to cover their electricity bills paints a vivid picture of a nation with over 242 million souls in just a whisper - plus ça change

    Pakistan, while addressing major challenges, often becomes preoccupied with internal trivial matters, which is why it receives minimal recognition on the global stage.

    Beside climate change, a significant challenge for Pakistan is its rapidly increasing population growth rate of 2.55 percent, the highest in the region and among the top 30 countries globally. As per a report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) in July 2024, Pakistan is expected to see its population double by 2050, reaching around 500 million.

    The recently released annual report on the State of the World Population 2024 by UNFPA, focusing on the theme 'Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights', reveals concerning findings about Pakistan. Only around one in three women had the autonomy to make decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Women with physical disabilities were found to be up to 10 times more susceptible to gender-based violence, and a woman died due to pregnancy complications every 50 minutes. The report predicts that it will take 93 years to meet family planning needs and achieving zero maternal deaths will remain unattainable for 122 years.

    In regards to the country's expanding population, opinions are divided. Some view it as a reflection of widespread poverty and a burden on the government's ability to deliver public services. Conversely, others see the increasing numbers as a positive sign, labeling it as a demographic dividend that could drive economic growth. This optimism is founded on the fact that a significant proportion of the population, 67%, is under the age of 30, with 80% under 40. Nevertheless, the reality remains that the rising population poses more challenges than benefits. It exerts significant strain on already scarce resources and complicates efforts to combat poverty, hunger, disease, and illiteracy. This is evident in Pakistan's unfavorable ranking on the UNDP's Human Development Index. Furthermore, the country is constantly impacted by severe weather occurrences such as floods and droughts, resulting in displacement and further pressure on resources. Neglecting the necessity for population control is no longer a sustainable option.

    Numerous factors contribute to Pakistan's rapid population growth, including entrenched religious and cultural beliefs, societal stigmas, poverty, inadequate education, and restricted access to contraceptives. Despite these obstacles, several countries have effectively managed their population growth. For example, Bangladesh has notably reduced its fertility rate to less than two births per woman and its growth rate to just above 1%. India's growth rate has also decreased significantly to 0.8%. Similarly, Turkey and Iran have successfully lowered their fertility rates to 2.1% and 2.3%, respectively, in stark contrast to Pakistan's rate of 3.2%.

    The accomplishments of these nations indicate that Pakistan has the potential to control its population growth through the implementation of efficient family planning programs and campaigns, following the successful models established by its counterparts.

The writer is a journalist associated with Dunya Media Group and a student of M.Phil, Area Study Centre (ASC) at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad.