Pakistan ’s Population Quagmire
By Nadir Khan, PhD
Alta Loma, CA
July 11 was World Population Day. And it was observed all over the globe. It was a sobering day as well, because there was nothing to be happy about. There were speeches and meetings and then everyone went home.
Population explosion is the most serious problem facing humankind today. All our economic, environmental, political, social problems are related to this one single issue. But most of us have our heads in the sand. Discussing it is a far cry, no one even wants to talk about it, because then we will have to deal with it.
Pakistan ’s population problems are staggering. In 1947, we were number thirteen in the world in terms of population, and this included what is now Bangladesh. Without Bangladesh, we are number six in the world. Every twenty seconds, a new baby arrives, how many of them survive is an entirely different issue. Every year, 72,000 people are added to the population. By the year 2050, Pakistan’s population will be more than three hundred million. Sixty percent of our present population is below the age of twenty-five. Between five to ten percent of the population is elderly. Forty percent of our people live below poverty line.
There was a census in 1981 and another was supposed to be in 1991. That did not happen. Finally, one was done in 1998. There was supposed to be one in 2008. That did not happen either. One wonders how our economists plan their future growth strategies without any population data.
Our two neighbors have their own population issues. China has adopted draconian measures to address the issue. A fairly large number of their new born baby girls are given for international adoption. It is an extremely well-organized system and people who have participated in the program seem to be satisfied with it. India is trying very hard to face the issue, but still has a long way to go. Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan together have more people than China.
There was a time when family planning was considered a conspiracy against developing countries (and particularly against Muslim countries) by the West. Now that argument does not hold any water. The West is having a different kind of problem: an aging population and fewer younger people working to support the elderly. Catholic Italy has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe. Most of the predominantly Catholic countries, particularly in Latin America, do not follow the church’s policy on birth control.
So where do we go from here? Firstly, the seriousness of the problem needs to be recognized by all at the national level. Secondly, religious leaders need to realize that their opposition on this is creating devastating consequences for the nation. It is true that Allah gives, but He has bestowed us with the ability to make reasonably good decisions. It is time we made quality more important than quantity.
Thirdly, we need to have a relentless all year round campaign in electronic and print media. This should not be a one-time affair, but a constant hammering of the consequences of uncontrolled population growth. Zero population growth should be part and parcel of our national policy. Our biggest and most intense efforts should be directed towards the below twenty-five population, because these are our “baby boomers” and will determine our future population demographics. Just because one has the resources to support a larger family does not mean they should ignore problems related to overpopulation on this globe..
The desire to have a male offspring is another psychological issue. Every child is Allah’s blessing and should be cherished for its own sake and not because of its gender. We all know that Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) did not leave any male offspring behind. But then we are so selective in our choice of Sunnah that we follow.
Birth control methods should be cheaply and easily available to all families without any financial burden. One of the most significant issues which is never discussed in our male-dominated society is the impact of a pregnancy on women’s health. A pregnancy is not a child’s play. It is biologically, emotionally, physically, and psychologically very demanding. It takes its toll and men should not forget that.
Our politicians should consider it as one of the most important issues facing our country and nation, because every facet of our future depends on the outcome of this issue.
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