Pakistan's Population May Hit 400 Million by 2040, Health Minister Warns

Pakistan faces a potential population surge to 400 million by 2040, a stark warning issued by Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath. He stressed that public awareness and individual responsibility are crucial to managing the country's rapid population growth, designating maternal and child healthcare and family planning as urgent national priorities.

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Pakistan’s population can reach 400 million by 2040.

In response to the escalating challenge, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a national council tasked with curbing population growth and implementing robust policy interventions. Dr. Bharath underscored the need for parents to carefully assess their capacity to provide essential resources, including adequate nutrition, quality education, timely immunizations, healthcare access, and proper upbringing, before deciding to have children. He asserted that a healthy and prosperous society hinges on every child's fundamental rights being met.

The minister highlighted the comparatively low usage of modern contraceptive methods in Pakistan when contrasted with countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkiye. He noted that limited access to safe and effective family planning contributes to unintended pregnancies, subsequently increasing the rates of unsafe abortions. This situation poses significant health risks to women and places an additional burden on the nation's healthcare system.

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Parents should carefully consider whether they had the necessary resources to provide their children with adequate nutrition, quality education, timely immunisation, access to healthcare and proper upbringing before planning their families.

Dr. Bharath emphasized the foundational role of maternal health, stating, "A healthy mother is the foundation of a healthy family and a strong nation." He explained that poor maternal health negatively impacts children's growth, education, development, and overall family well-being. Just as fathers are responsible for financial provision, safeguarding maternal health is equally vital for family welfare and national progress. He concluded by urging all Pakistanis to embrace family planning with responsibility and heightened awareness for the benefit of future generations. Meanwhile, the health ministry announced that China, in partnership with the UN Population Fund, has supplied Pakistan with $2 million worth of reproductive health and family planning supplies and equipment.

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A healthy mother is the foundation of a healthy family and a strong nation.