KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has highlighted the pressing issues arising from the province’s rapidly growing population, driven by high birth rates and migration both within Pakistan and from abroad. He noted that the 2023 digital census shows a national population increase at an annual growth rate of 2.55 percent, bringing Pakistan’s population to 241 million, with Sindh surpassing 55 million.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, this surge in population is exerting substantial pressure on Sindh’s limited resources, impacting various sectors, including job availability, healthcare, education, housing, and food supply. These challenges were discussed during a meeting of the Taskforce on Population Growth, aimed at reviewing progress on initiatives previously determined by Pakistan’s Council of Common Interests and the Supreme Court. The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended by provincial ministers, officials, and representatives from international organizations such as UNFPA, USAID, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the task force’s role in building upon existing achievements to guide both policy and practical strategies. He acknowledged the possibility of undercounting in the census data and reiterated the challenges posed by high birth rates and migration. Despite these difficulties, Shah highlighted legislative and policy measures such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2013 and the Reproductive Health Rights Bill as part of Sindh’s proactive approach to mitigate the socio-economic effects of rapid population growth.
Murad Shah expressed optimism for fruitful dialogue among experts, stating that insights gained would significantly impact the province’s future population policies and sustainable development efforts. The meeting outlined major achievements and strategic directions, particularly concerning Sindh’s Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) objectives. Notable progress included integrating stakeholders on a single platform and initiatives like engaging Community Midwives, marital counselling, and refocusing Lady Health Workers on family planning.
The task force also presented a comprehensive roadmap for FP2030, focusing on expanding integrated health services, prioritizing quality delivery, engaging youth and community leaders, and strengthening systems through legislation and advocacy. The Chief Minister highlighted the necessity for greater integration of health and population sectors to implement CCI recommendations and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Efforts to enhance public-private partnerships will focus on improving private facility accreditation, enforcing family planning standards, and building new alliances with development partners and NGOs. The task force reaffirmed its commitment to advancing family planning and population welfare initiatives in Sindh, emphasizing coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to address the challenges of rapid population growth and ensure a sustainable future for the province.