11 Million Products Purchased to Control Population Remain Unused

Pakistan’s population is projected to surpass 300 million by 2030 and reach around 390 million by 2050, the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was informed on Monday.

Director General Health at the Ministry of National Health Services, Dr Abdul Wali Khan, briefed the committee on population growth trends and the government’s ongoing response measures.

Senator Quratulain Marri chaired the meeting, where officials discussed population control efforts, the National Action Plan and the delayed Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey.

The committee was told that the demographic and health survey, which should have been completed within five years, remains unfinished even after eight years. Officials said the delay has made it difficult to obtain accurate population data.

The meeting was also informed that Rs2 billion had been allocated under the National Action Plan for population control. Officials said around 11 million contraceptive products were purchased in 2022, but a large quantity remains unused in the market.

The committee expressed concern over the delay in completing the survey and directed authorities to finish it by June.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed the National Population Council to prepare a national strategy to address Pakistan’s rising population.