OVERPOPULATION IN PAKISTAN - A TICKING BOMB

What is Overpopulation?

Overpopulation simply
means that there are too
many people for the available
resources and space. This
causes problems like
environmental damage, too
much waste, not enough
housing, energy shortages,
and healthcare challenges.
When the population is too
high, it puts pressure on
everything we need to live
well, making life harder for everyone.

Population, initially considered an asset, can become burdensome when it grows

uncontrollably. This holds true globally, including in Pakistan. In addition to inheriting issues
like illiteracy and poverty, overpopulation has made things worse. Social and cultural norms
contribute to this problem, leading to adverse effects such as food and housing shortages, urban
overcrowding, and low investment. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts
between the government and the public to implement effective population control measures
and ensure sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation.

A number of factors could lead to the emergence of overpopulation. Birth rate is the
most common indicator that the countries today use to keep a check on population. Pakistan
today suffers from a high birth rate in the country.

10 Most Populated Countries Of World & their Income Rates

Following Chart shows stats of the most populous countries. Pakistan being no 5th in population
is so small in size yet has a disastrous number of 331 homeless per 10000 people.
POPULATION OF PAKISTAN AREA WISE

Pakistan, like many developing countries, is trying hard to survive in the capitalist world.
However, its population of approximately 241 million, once seen as an asset, has become a
significant liability. The rapid population growth poses a constant threat to the nation's survival
and development.
The provisional population census by province in Pakistan is as follows:
Pakistan: 241.49 million
1. Balochistan: 19 million
2. KP: 39.53 million
3. Punjab: 116.26 million
4. Sindh: 52.45 million
5. GB: 15 million

Overpopulation and Poverty: A Direct Link

Overpopulation strains resources, contributing to poverty; regions with rapid population

growth, face higher poverty rates due to insufficient economic opportunities. High population
densities often lead to inadequate infrastructure and services, exacerbating living conditions
and perpetuating poverty cycles.

Providing for larger families’ strains family resources: Providing for larger families’ strains
resources, often leading to insufficient access to food, education, and healthcare. This financial
burden can perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit opportunities for future generations.

Overpopulation Impact on Employment: Increased competition for limited jobs leads to

higher unemployment rates and lower income levels. This economic strain hampers overall
development and exacerbates poverty.
Overridden healthcare system due to overpopulation: Overpopulation overwhelms
healthcare systems, resulting in longer wait times and reduced quality of care. Limited
resources become stretched, making it difficult to provide adequate medical services for
everyone. This can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased disease spread.
Intergenerational poverty due to lack of opportunities: Lack of opportunities due to
overpopulation perpetuates intergenerational poverty, trapping families in a cycle of hardship.
Limited access to quality education and employment prevents upward mobility. As a result,
future generations face the same economic struggles and limited prospects.

WHAT IS CAUSING MASSIVE OVERPOPULATION IN PAKISTAN AND WHAT

ARE THE MULTIPLIERS?
The country’s high population growth rate is driven by several factors. Overpopulation in
Pakistan has led to several challenges, such as increased need for resources, overburdened
infrastructure, and a strain on public services.
1. Poverty among masses

Poverty leads to higher birth rates: In poverty-stricken areas, families may have more
children in the hope that they will contribute to household income in the future, leading to a
desire for larger families, further contributing to higher birth rates. Lack of access to education
and employment opportunities perpetuates the cycle of poverty, making it difficult for families
to break free from this mindset.

Limited access to education and lack of family planning: Poverty can limit access to
education and healthcare services, including family planning resources. Without adequate
education, individuals, especially women, may lack awareness about contraceptive methods
and reproductive health.

Contraceptive use
Poverty leads to unaffordability and lack of education about contraceptives and family
planning. Moreover, the cost of contraceptives can be challenging for poor people. As a result,
they may not have the means or knowledge to control their family size effectively so many
poor communities are not aware of family planning measures.
High child mortality rates
When many poor families lose children, which can encourage families to have more kids to
ensure someone survives, leading to overpopulation.

2. Underage & young marriages

Early and underage marriages, prevalent in some parts of Pakistan, contribute to higher fertility
rates and larger families. Young brides often lack autonomy and decision-making power
regarding family planning.
Furthermore, social and cultural norms may pressure couples to start a family early, regardless
of their readiness or ability to provide for children. This leads to a higher population growth
rate as more children are born to younger parents.

3. Lack of Education

Lack of Education in women means no awareness about family planning and less autonomy in
decision making. In Pakistan, the lack of education among women significantly impacts family
planning and decision-making autonomy. According to UNICEF, nearly 22.8 million children
aged 5-16 are out of school in Pakistan, with a large proportion being girls.
Educated women are more likely to understand and utilize family planning methods, reducing
overpopulation pressures. Conversely, uneducated women often lack awareness and control
over reproductive health decisions, leading to higher fertility rates. This situation perpetuates
poverty and limits economic progress, as families with more children face greater financial
burdens and fewer opportunities for advancement.
Limited Knowledge of Contraception
In Pakistan, only 34% of married women use modern contraceptive methods, as reported by
the PDHS 2017-18. This low rate is due to insufficient education and awareness about
reproductive health. Cultural barriers also limit discussions about contraception, leading to
higher fertility rates and larger family sizes. Improving education and access to contraceptives
is essential for better family planning and economic stability.
Reduced Career Opportunities
Pakistan grapples with limited career prospects, especially with a significant youth population.
Despite a 4.3% unemployment rate in 2020, underemployment and informal work are
widespread. Access to quality education and skills training remains a challenge, exacerbating
job market pressures. Urgent action is needed to enhance education and create an environment
conducive to job growth.
Less Autonomy
Traditional gender roles in Pakistan constrain women's decision-making, including choices
related to family planning. With only 34% of married women using modern contraceptives,
promoting gender equality is vital for empowering women to make informed reproductive
health decisions.
4. Lack of Women’s Empowerment
In Pakistan, only 22% of women participate pursue a career contrasting starkly with the over
80% men, according to World Bank data.
Limited Decision Making
Societal norms in Pakistan restrict decision-making, especially for marginalized groups. This
impacts various aspects like education, careers, and family planning. Empowerment initiatives
are crucial for enabling autonomous choices and improving overall well-being.
Access to Healthcare and Reproductive Rights
In Pakistan, healthcare access and reproductive rights are limited, especially for women. With
one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, at approximately 276 deaths per 100,000
live births, access to healthcare facilities remains a significant challenge. Cultural barriers
further restrict reproductive rights, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure equitable
access to healthcare services and promote gender equality.
Limited Political Representation

Political representation in Pakistan is limited, notably for women and minority groups.
Women hold only about 20% of seats in the National Assembly and Senate, despite
comprising nearly half of the population. Similarly, minority communities face
disproportionate underrepresentation. Addressing these disparities is essential for fostering
inclusive governance and equitable political participation.

5. Gender Preferences
In many societies, including Pakistan, there is a prevalent preference for male children,
leading families with daughters to often continue trying for a male heir. This cultural bias
perpetuates gender inequalities and can have significant social and demographic
consequences.
Gender discrimination
Gender discrimination in Pakistan is pervasive, with the country ranking 151 out of 153 in
global gender equality. Women encounter barriers in education, employment, and political
participation, with harmful practices like child marriage and honor killings still prevalent.
Urgent action is needed to address these issues and promote gender parity and women's rights.
Families think a boy can help parents in old age
In Pakistan, families often prioritize having sons due to cultural beliefs that boys can provide
support in old age. This preference is reflected in demographic trends, with higher fertility
rates in regions where the desire for male heirs is stronger. However, such attitudes
perpetuate gender disparities and can lead to adverse social and economic outcomes for girls
and women.
Cultural norms and old customs
Cultural norms and old customs heavily influence societal attitudes and behaviors in
Pakistan. These traditions shape various aspects of life, including family structure, gender
roles, and social interactions. Despite modernization efforts, many traditional practices
persist, impacting everything from marriage customs to community dynamics.

HOW IS THE OVERPOPULATION AFFECTING US?

1. Unmanaged Waste

Strained waste management systems: Dumps are filled with piles of unfiltered waste and
waste management systems can’t processes the large amount of garbage produced by 240
million people. Dumpsites are overflowing with unsegregated waste, leading to inefficient
processing and disposal.

Inadequate waste collection and disposal services: Waste accumulation contaminates soil,
water, and air, harming ecosystems and human health. This affects ecosystems and poses
significant risks to human health.
Overflowing landfills & health risks: Overfilled and poorly managed landfills release harmful
substances into the environment, posing serious health risks. Unmanaged waste attracts pests
and rodents, which spread diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria, further endangering
public health.

2. Densely Packed Houses

Densely packed houses are a common phenomenon in Pakistan, particularly in urban areas,
due to overpopulation. These living spaces cause overcrowding and social issues among
families.
1. Overcrowding: Homes are often cramped, with multiple families sharing small spaces,
leading to inadequate privacy and living conditions.
2. Mental health concerns: Overcrowding and poor living conditions can lead to increased
stress, anxiety, and depression among residents. Limited space and privacy exacerbate these
mental health concerns.
3 Social issues: Overcrowding are prone to increased social issues such as higher crime rates,
domestic violence, and social unrest. Overcrowding fosters tensions and conflicts within
communities.

3. Lack of Basic Civic Needs

Pakistan’s economy is facing a great challenge to fulfill the basic civic needs of its 240 million
population. At present 36.8 mn (31%) Pakistanis are living below the poverty line, 46 mn
(65%) are illiterate adults, 12 mn (62%) children under five are malnourished. As population
keeps on increasing, these challenges multiply adding more challenges for the country.

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS: A SOLUTION TO OVERPOPULATION

How can our smart decisions help us save our country from this population hazard?

Family Planning: Embracing family planning measures, such as limiting family size to 2-3
children, can significantly alleviate the strain on resources and mitigate the environmental
impact of rapid population growth.
Education: Education plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the hazards of
overpopulation. Investing in education and economic development can help to reduce poverty
and improve the overall well-being of the population. This can also lead to a reduction in the
fertility rate as people become more aware of family planning and have more resources to
support smaller families. By fostering a culture of informed decision-making, we can empower
individuals to make responsible choices regarding family planning and resource utilization.

Use of Contraceptives: Use of effective birth control methods helps in preventing unintended
pregnancies and controlling population growth. Encouraging the widespread adoption of
effective birth control methods ensures that individuals have the means to plan their families
according to their needs and aspirations.

Responsible Use of Resources: Responsible resource management is essential for creating a

liveable planet for future generations. By conserving water, energy, and natural resources, as
well as minimizing waste production, we can mitigate the environmental degradation
associated with overpopulation and ensure sustainable development.

Lead by Example: Leading by example is key to inspiring positive change within our
communities. By adopting sustainable lifestyles and advocating for environmentally-friendly
practices, we can motivate others to follow suit and contribute to collective efforts aimed at
addressing overpopulation and securing a better future for Pakistan.

Overpopulation in Pakistan presents a multifaceted challenge that requires urgent and

concerted action from all sectors of society. Addressing this issue demands a unified effort.
Empowering individuals with education and access to family planning, coupled with
sustainable development initiatives, is key. By promoting responsible resource management
and leading by example, we pave the way for a better future. Collaboration among all sectors
is vital for achieving sustainable population growth and prosperity for Pakistan.

Additionally, investing in healthcare infrastructure and maternal and child health services can
help reduce high child mortality rates associated with overpopulation. Furthermore, fostering
gender equality and empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive
health is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting sustainable development.

Together, let's work towards a Pakistan where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in
a balanced and sustainable environment.