Islamabad: Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, presided over a Parliamentary Forum on Population, emphasizing the critical need to address Pakistan's unchecked population growth. Addressing lawmakers, experts, and development partners, she described the situation as a 'ticking time bomb' that has long been neglected.
According to Senate of Pakistan, Senator Rehman highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that Pakistan's population has reached 241 million, with a fertility rate of 3.6 births per woman, one of the highest in South Asia. She pointed out that while Pakistan is the fifth most populous country globally, investment in its people remains insufficient. The growing population crisis strains resources and households, with 40% of children under five stunted and one woman dying every 50 minutes during childbirth.
Senator Rehman stressed the connection between population growth and national issues such as health, education, and economic stability. She explained that a 1% increase in population growth reduces per capita income by PKR 35,000 annually. Reducing fertility to 2.1 births per woman by 2030 could lead to a 37% rise in per capita income and a GDP growth increase to 3.9% by 2033.
The senator lamented the lack of action at both national and local levels, citing budget cuts to the climate ministry and inadequate support for population issues. She noted the pressure on local governments to provide basic services amid growing population demands. Senator Rehman called for Parliament to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need for a united government and society approach.
She acknowledged the contributions of development partners like the Population Council, UNFPA, and UKAID, highlighting their role in providing valuable evidence for solutions. Senator Rehman advocated for challenging cultural taboos and normalizing discussions on reproductive rights, asserting that family planning is a human right and essential for empowering women.
Senator Rehman also celebrated the passage of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, which raises the legal marriage age from 16 to 18. She underscored the importance of this legislation in empowering girls and preventing child marriages, which have significant negative impacts.
The senator pointed out the underutilization of contraception and family planning, with only 34% of couples using contraception and 17.3% having unmet needs. Increasing usage to 52% could prevent thousands of maternal and infant deaths. She urged lawmakers to prioritize this issue in their political agendas and educate families, particularly men, on its importance.
Concluding her address, Senator Rehman called for coordinated action and resolutions in both houses, emphasizing the need for a collective voice to tackle Pakistan's future challenges with clarity and courage.