ISLAMABAD
\nThe Speakers at a seminar on the country\u2019s population growth on Monday called for urgent reforms to tackle the mounting challenge of population growth of the country showing a steady rise since independence.
\nThe Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), successfully concluded a seminar on \u2018Mitigating Pakistan\u2019s Population Challenges\u2019, a news release said.
\nThe distinguished speakers included Senator Dr Sania Nishtar and Samia Liaquat Ali Khan, Director Impact, Tabadlab. Air Marshal (R) Farooq Habib, Senior Director at CASS, delivered the Concluding Remarks; while Air Vice Marshal Nasser ul Haq Wyne (R) moderated the proceedings. Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan (R), Advisor on Aviation to the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan and President of CASS, presented mementos to the distinguished speakers.
\nIn his Opening Remarks, Air Vice Marshal (R) Nasser ul Haq Wyne underscored the intertwined significance of Water, Education, Economy, and Population as fundamental pillars influencing the well-being and security of a nation. Drawing attention to the National Security Policy 2022, hailed as \u2018citizen-centric\u2019, he acknowledged its emphasis on human security.
\nHowever, he expressed concerns over the existing gaps between policy creation and its subsequent implementation. Reflecting on Pakistan\u2019s demographic journey, he highlighted the country\u2019s exponential population growth, from 32 million at its independence in 1947 to a staggering 250 million in the present year, marking an almost eightfold increase in 76 years.
\nSenator Dr Sania Nishtar, in her in-depth address on Population Dynamics and Socioeconomic Impacts, underscored the pressing challenge of population growth as a pivotal factor in Pakistan\u2019s development trajectory, affecting vital sectors such as infrastructure, economy, and security.
\nHighlighting the exponential growth in population, she illustrated that Pakistan had witnessed a growth rate that is notably higher than many other Asian nations. A primary concern she broached was Pakistan\u2019s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) which, alarmingly, has remained stagnant since 2005 at 3.6.
\nThis statistic becomes especially concerning when juxtaposed with countries like Saudi Arabia, traditionally conservative societies that have nonetheless managed to significantly reduce their TFR. Dr Nishtar shared factors influencing fertility rates, spotlighting elements like female education, participation in the workforce, and societal standing.
\nShe fervently emphasized the urgency to engage with and address these variables to devise effective strategies against rapid population growth.
\nShifting the focus to the crucial role of family planning services, she affirmed that their accessibility can greatly mitigate the challenges posed by population growth. She further championed the importance of robust family planning programmes, stressing underlining Pakistan\u2019s low Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR), especially when compared to countries like Iran.
\nReflecting on the past, Senator Nishtar reminisced about a time when Pakistan was at the forefront of family planning initiatives, backed by dedicated budgets and institutions. However, she said that administrative issues and the devolution of powers to the provinces had adversely affected this infrastructure, resulting in the present-day problems.
\nDespite these challenges, Dr Nishtar expressed optimism about Pakistan\u2019s future, emphasizing its vast potential. She remarked on the hardworking, entrepreneurial, and resilient nature of its people and a society that\u2019s generous and supportive.
\nIn her presentation on Pakistan\u2019s Population and Gender Dynamics, Samia Liaquat Ali Khan shed light on pressing issues related to gender disparities, population growth, and economic development in Pakistan. She discussed the multifaceted challenges women face, particularly in health, education, political empowerment, and economic opportunities.
\nBacked by alarming statistics, Ms Khan revealed that in 2020, Pakistan was ranked third among countries with high maternal and infant mortality rates. 40% of children under five suffer from malnutrition, with a staggering 12 million girls among the 20 million out-of-school children. Over 75% of 10-year-olds in schools grapple with basic reading comprehension, and a concerning 21.8 million youth, aged 15-29, are neither engaged in education nor employment.
\nKhan lamented that despite a significant proportion of women working in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, financial inclusion remains elusive for many. Shockingly, only 7% of women hold bank accounts, a mere 14% partake in business, and property ownership is critically low, with just 3.3% of women owning homes either individually or jointly.
\nOn the political front, she underscored the underrepresentation of women, pointing out the stark disparity in elected female representatives and an 8% lower female voter turnout compared to men.
\nCharting a path forward, Khan passionately advocated for an overhauled education system, wider societal acceptance of women as leaders, especially among adult males, and the imperative to reframe social and religious constructs with respect, tolerance, and empathy.
\nDelivering the Concluding Remarks and Vote of Thanks, Air Marshal Farooq Habib (R) reflected on Pakistan\u2019s longstanding challenges, noting that even in 2023, the core issues identified by the panellists persisted.
\nDrawing attention to Francis Fukuyama\u2019s \u2018getting to Denmark\u2019 concept, he emphasised that for nations to reach the levels of development exemplified by countries like Denmark, they must wholeheartedly embrace principles like integrity, transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and meritocracy.
\nIn conclusion, he urged the younger generations to actively challenge societal malpractices and champion change, envisioning a brighter future for Pakistan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD The Speakers at a seminar on the country\u2019s population growth on Monday called for urgent reforms to tackle the mounting challenge of population growth of the country showing a steady rise since independence. The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), successfully concluded a seminar on \u2018Mitigating Pakistan\u2019s Population Challenges\u2019, a news release said. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":360666,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[13013],"class_list":{"0":"post-360642","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","8":"tag-population-growth"},"yoast_head":"\n