Importance of a Population Policy in Pakistan (The Mahbub ul Haq Memorial Lecture)

In: The Pakistan development review: PDR, Band 40, Heft 4I, S. 345-369

Abstract

The primary purpose of this lecture is to make a case for an
integrated and effective population policy in Pakistan. An effective
population policy is critical in its own right. It is also essential for
maximising the positive outcome of all of Pakistan's development
efforts. Despite some very modest progress, the overall population
growth rate is still so high that it warrants serious concern. Among the
top ten contributors to world population growth during 1995-2000,
Pakistan stood third in absolute number, and was Number One in rate of
growth. The average total fertility rate per woman of 5.2 in Pakistan,
as compared to 2.4 in Indonesia, 2.9 in Iran, and 3.1 in India, is
indeed problematic and requires an appropriate policy response. A
broader view of population growth and economic development is suggested
instead of a narrow family planning focus. Thus family planning
programmes (supply-side) would be effective only when the population at
large has the desire or motivation for smaller families (demand-side).
It is shown that the demand-side of the equation is influenced by a host
of social, cultural, religious, educational, and other factors. For
purposes of this paper, all these are taken together and termed the
knowledge factor. It is suggested that a successful population policy
must have a clear focus on increasing the knowledge factor in the
country through education and advocacy.