Karachi, In a critical meeting aimed at tackling the pressing issue of population growth, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, Services, Regulations, and Coordination (HSR and C), met with Ms. Latika Maskey Pradhan, Deputy Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in Islamabad on April 3, 2024. The session, which also included key health officials and UNFPA specialists, focused on strategies to enlighten the masses about the challenges of population explosion and its impacts on public health and welfare.

According to Press Information Department, the discussion highlighted the urgent need for family planning and maternal and child nutrition initiatives to combat the consequences of rapid population growth. Dr. Ahmed emphasized the government’s commitment to educating the public on family planning rather than imposing measures, aiming to mitigate the negative effects of overpopulation through awareness and voluntary participation.

The Ministry of Health and UNFPA agreed to organize a conference to formulate and disseminate recommendations that will help individuals understand the importance of controlling population growth. Dr. Ahmed also raised concerns about Pakistan becoming a water-scarce country by 2030 due to its burgeoning population, underlining the necessity of immediate and effective policy actions.

Ms. Pradhan acknowledged the Pakistani government’s efforts to address challenges related to public health, unwanted pregnancies, and overpopulation. She assured UNFPA’s full support and cooperation in implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce unintended pregnancies, including awareness campaigns and the enhancement of reproductive health services.

This meeting marks a significant step toward addressing the complex issues of population explosion and public health in Pakistan, with both national and international stakeholders committing to a collaborative approach to ensure the well-being of current and future generations.