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QUETTA, Jan 18 (APP):Deputy Manager Communication, Population Council Ikram Ul Ahad on Saturday said that measures are being taken to address rapid population growth, which is adversely affecting different sectors including economy, health, environment, and education indicators.
He shared these views while talking to APP. He said that to reduce the rapid population growth and bring it to a sustainable level, implementation of the National Action Plan, formulated under the decisions of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) must be ensured.
He said that if the current population growth rate continues, Pakistan would face significant challenges in its economy, education, health, and human resource sectors by 2050.
Mr. Ikram Ul Ahad mentioned that Media Coalition Meeting arranged by the Population Council with contribution of UNFPA few days which was attended by journalists including women from across the country on invitation of the population with the aim to highlight rapid growth of population.
He also emphasized the critical need to achieve a balance between population growth and available resources to ensure Pakistan’s sustainable progress.
“Media can play a vital role in highlighting the challenges posed by rapid population growth through investigative journalism. Particular focus is needed on women’s reproductive health and their limited access to family planning services, which remain key areas for attention.”, he said.
He stressed the urgency of implementing CCI decisions, warning that neglecting these measures would exacerbate Pakistan’s existing challenges.
Presenting key findings from the Population Council’s latest report “Pakistan @ 2050, he outlined two potential future scenarios for Pakistan. In Scenario 1 (Business-as-usual), if the current population growth continues unchecked, the population would reach approximately 386 million by 2050.
He noted that in Scenario 2 (CCI Decisions Implementation), by successfully implementing the Council of Common Interest (CCI) decisions and reducing the growth rate, the population could be limited to 338 million.
He said that the significant implications of these scenarios, noting that under the current trajectory, Pakistan would require 115 million new jobs by 2050.
However, effective implementation of CCI decisions could reduce this demand to 97 million, he said adding that “In terms of economic growth, if fertility rates are brought down to 2.2%, the GDP growth rate could increase to 5.1%, compared to 3.4% if the current trend continues.
He said that additionally, per capita monthly income, which would remain PKR 27,000 under the current situation could rise to PKR 36,000 with effective CCI implementation.
He said that decisive and immediate action is essential to achieve sustainable economic and social progress.
He maintained that the negative impacts of repeated pregnancies on women’s health, which not only affect their lives but also disturb the balance between population and resources.
“Rapid population growth exacerbates the effects of climate change, disproportionately affecting the poor and marginalized segments of society”, he added.