Islamabad: Senator Sherry Rehman, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, issued a strong plea for urgent action to tackle Pakistan’s burgeoning population issue. Speaking at the 13th meeting of the Parliamentary Forum on Population, Senator Rehman described the unchecked population growth as a “ticking time bomb” that has been consistently overlooked.

Addressing lawmakers, experts, and development partners, Senator Rehman emphasized the severe implications of the country’s population reaching 241 million, with one of the highest fertility rates in South Asia at 3.6 births per woman. She pointed out that Pakistan, the fifth most populous country globally, is failing to invest in its people adequately.

Senator Rehman highlighted the widespread impact of population growth on households and resources. She noted that 40% of children under five are stunted and warned of the daily tragedies resulting from the issue, including maternal mortality. Despite these alarming statistics, she expressed concern that population growth is rarely prioritized in policy discussions.

The Senator discussed the interconnectedness of population growth with health, education, and economic stability. She noted that a 1% increase in population growth reduces per capita income by PKR 35,000 annually. Reducing the fertility rate to 2.1 births per woman by 2030 could significantly boost per capita income and GDP growth.

Senator Rehman criticized the insufficient action at both national and local levels, noting budget cuts and pressure on local governments to provide basic services amidst the growing population. She called for Parliament to play a more active role in addressing the issue, asserting that parliamentary involvement lends legitimacy and political will.

Acknowledging the work of development partners like the Population Council, UNFPA, and UKAID, Senator Rehman stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to finding solutions. She also underscored the importance of challenging cultural taboos and promoting reproductive rights, framing family planning as a human right.

Highlighting legislative progress, Senator Rehman cited the recent passage of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, which raises the marriage age to 18. She emphasized that this law is a victory for girls’ rights and could help reduce child marriages, which remain high in Pakistan.

Senator Rehman pointed out the underutilization of contraception and family planning, with only 34% of couples using contraception. Increasing this figure could prevent thousands of maternal and infant deaths.

In her concluding remarks, Senator Rehman urged lawmakers to prioritize population issues in their political agendas, emphasizing the need for collective action and coordinated resolutions to signal Pakistan’s readiness to confront its future challenges.