Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday identified uncontrolled population growth as one of Pakistan’s most urgent challenges, emphasizing that the country adds approximately 5.8 million people each year. He warned that this surge is not only a public health concern but also a critical issue affecting national security and economic stability.
Speaking at the launch of the Waqfa (Birth Spacing) awareness campaign, Kamal illustrated the scale of the problem by comparing Pakistan’s annual population increase to the entire population of New Zealand. He further noted that every five years, the country’s population grows by an amount comparable to Australia’s population. Highlighting systemic strains, he pointed out that 26 million children remain out of school and hospitals are already overwhelmed, stressing that the current infrastructure cannot sustain this growing demand.
The minister urged a shift in public perception regarding birth spacing, clarifying that it should not be associated with fears about sustenance. He emphasized that Islam does not forbid family planning and reminded that sustenance is promised by Allah for every individual. Kamal also mentioned that religious scholars from various schools of thought are now engaging with the issue to foster understanding.
He revealed alarming health statistics, stating that around 11,000 women die annually due to pregnancy and childbirth complications, describing these fatalities as a “silent national tragedy” requiring immediate action. Additionally, he reported that approximately 1,300 children under five years old die daily, totaling nearly 400,000 child deaths each year. Kamal stressed that proper spacing between births is vital for the health of both mothers and children.
In a significant policy move, Kamal announced the removal of the 18% tax on contraceptives and proposed a 32% incentive for provinces that effectively reduce population growth. He estimated that improved access to contraceptives could prevent about 1.5 million births annually.
Earlier, Shah Rukh Hassan, CEO of the Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Foundation, praised the success of the birth spacing awareness campaign, crediting Kamal for initiating it and acknowledging the Population Council Pakistan for providing essential data that shaped the initiative.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb described Pakistan’s rapid population growth as an “existential issue” alongside climate change. He warned that unchecked demographic expansion is placing unsustainable pressure on the nation’s economy and resources.
Aurangzeb emphasized the necessity of addressing population challenges to enhance citizens’ quality of life and secure long-term economic stability. He commended the Ministry of Health for its continued focus and practical measures, highlighting the establishment of the National Population Council (NPC) as a pivotal step toward sustainable development.
The finance minister explained that the NPC, which includes civil and military leaders, provincial authorities, and federal representatives, provides an institutional framework to move from discussing population control concepts to implementing concrete actions. He stressed the importance of monitoring clear targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) on a quarterly and annual basis, noting, “you can only deliver what you can measure.”
Addressing financial aspects, Aurangzeb acknowledged recent federal budget measures such as abolishing sales tax on contraceptives and the “pink tax,” but stressed the need for broader structural reforms. He criticized the current National Finance Commission (NFC) formula, which allocates 82% of resources based on population size, calling it unsustainable and warning it inadvertently incentivizes population growth.
The minister also highlighted international support, referencing the World Bank’s ten-year Country Partnership Framework, which allocates approximately $600 million to $700 million annually to fund interventions focused on reducing child stunting and improving female education to combat learning poverty.
Concluding his remarks, Aurangzeb praised public awareness efforts like the “Waqfa” campaign and called for unified action to ensure Pakistan’s sustainable development as it approaches its centenary in 2047.
