Islamabad: The Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, has highlighted the critical challenge posed by Pakistan’s rapidly growing population, warning that it could reach nearly 400 million by 2040 without timely interventions. He stressed that addressing this issue requires collective efforts beyond government initiatives.

According to Press Information Department, Dr. Bharath shared these views during a ceremony for the handover of reproductive health and family planning commodities. He emphasized that family planning involves ensuring each child is born into a healthy, safe environment, and urged parents to consider their capacity to provide essential resources for their children before planning their families.

Dr. Bharath pointed out that the use of modern contraceptive methods in Pakistan is low compared to countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Türkiye, contributing to unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. He stated that safeguarding maternal health is crucial for family and national well-being, and informed that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has formed a National Council to develop a strategy for balanced population growth and improved health services.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare and family planning services, with collaboration from provincial governments, development partners, and institutions. He urged Pakistanis to embrace family planning responsibly for a healthier nation.

A spokesperson for the Ministry noted that the Government of China, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, has provided Pakistan with reproductive health supplies worth US$2 million. The handover, held at the Basic Health Unit in Islamabad, marks a significant step toward improving healthcare services and access to quality family planning across the country.