Punjab Emerges With Highest Infant Mortality Rate

A fact sheet released by an international non-governmental organization (NGO) has revealed that 73 out of every 1,000 newborns in Punjab die before their first birthday, primarily due to food shortages, poor maternal health, and high population growth rates.

Experts from the Population Council emphasized that the lack of widespread adoption of family planning in Punjab is a major contributor to the high newborn mortality rate. According to the NGO’s latest figures, Punjab has the highest rate of infant deaths in Pakistan, compared to the national average of 62 per 1,000 live births.

The fact sheet highlighted that increasing the adoption of family planning methods could save thousands of lives annually. Currently, the national family planning rate is 34%, and raising it to 52% could prevent 140,000 infant deaths each year. In Punjab, where the rate stands at 41%, increasing it to 59% could save 73,000 newborn lives annually.

Key reasons for Punjab’s high infant mortality rate include inadequate healthcare infrastructure, illiteracy, food insecurity, unemployment, a preference for male children, and a lack of awareness among mothers about health and family planning.

Infant mortality rates in other provinces are comparatively lower, with Sindh recording 60 deaths per 1,000 births, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 53, and Balochistan 48. Punjab also has the highest birth rate among the provinces.

Population Council Senior Director Dr. Ali Meer warned that if Pakistan fails to balance its population growth with available resources, it will face severe shortages in food, education, jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure. He called for policies to curb population growth, stressing that neglecting family planning leads to the loss of both maternal and infant lives.

The organization’s Director, Ikramul Haq, urged the government and relevant departments to prioritize child mortality issues amidst the rising population. He also emphasized raising awareness about family planning among married couples.

Former medical superintendent of Lady Willingdon Hospital, Dr. Sabahat Habib, linked Punjab’s high infant mortality rate to illiteracy and poor maternal health, noting that many mothers give birth repeatedly without adequate healthcare or consideration for family planning.

Population Council Research Manager, Dr. Saima Bashir, cautioned that Pakistan’s population could reach 386 million by 2050 if growth remains unchecked. She stressed the importance of adopting international family planning standards and urged the government to act promptly to address the issue.