Tarar warns population growth could lead to national crisis

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has warned that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population poses a serious challenge to health, education, the economy, and basic public services.

He said that every year, the country’s population increases by an amount equivalent to the population of New Zealand.

Addressing the Pakistan Population Summit in Islamabad, Tarar emphasized that population growth is a major issue that requires urgent attention from all segments of society.

He said the rising population is linked to other challenges, including increasing child mortality rates.

According to UNICEF data, 50 children per 1,000 die due to inadequate maternal and child care, he said.

“From the perspective of newborn care, maternal health, and reproductive health, we are losing many precious lives,” the minister said. He added that population growth itself is a serious challenge, as it affects not only resources but also the fundamental human right to life.

Tarar warned that ignoring the issue or failing to acknowledge its seriousness could lead to a national crisis.

He highlighted that in many cases, mothers’ health issues are neglected, and a lack of awareness exacerbates the problem.

The minister stressed that addressing the population challenge requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including religious scholars, media, government, lawyers, and journalists.

He said population growth can slow down development and put additional pressure on the economy and basic services.

Tarar also pointed out the low rate of working women in the country compared to other regions, calling it a social issue that should be addressed through awareness.

He recommended the formation of a working group and suggested using parliamentary platforms, such as the Women’s Caucus, to highlight the issue through debates and policy discussions.

He also praised the efforts of the Islamic Ideology Council on this front, emphasizing that balanced population growth is essential for sustainable development.