ISLAMABAD IRFAN UL HAQ
The President of the Population Association of Pakistan, Professor Dr. Mehtab Syed Karim, has described the rising population as the country’s most pressing issue, warning that if the current growth rate continues, Pakistan’s population could reach 370 million by 2050, potentially causing severe food shortages.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, Professor Dr. Mehtab Syed Karim and Dr. Saima Bashir said a two-day conference is being organized to raise public awareness about the challenges posed by population growth. Experts will discuss the issues arising from the increasing population and provide recommendations.
The conference aims to inform both the public and the government about the gravity of the situation. Professor Karim emphasized that population growth is a national issue that cannot be addressed individually and requires collective action. Pakistan currently has the highest birth rate in the region at 2.5% annually, while other countries have managed to control their population growth through effective policies.
He also highlighted that Islam does not prohibit family planning, a fact supported by renowned Islamic scholars, and stressed the importance of educating imams in mosques to spread awareness. Unchecked population growth, he warned, could not only lead to food shortages but also create challenges in providing quality education and healthcare for children. Additionally, increased unemployment could lead to higher crime rates, which can only be mitigated by controlling population growth.