ISLAMABAD, July 30 (ABC): Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath on Thursday warned that Pakistan’s population could reach nearly 400 million by 2040 if timely and effective measures are not taken. He called for collective national action to promote family planning and improve reproductive healthcare.
Speaking at a ceremony for the handover of reproductive health and family planning commodities, the minister said population management was not solely the responsibility of the government. He said every segment of society must play its role.
Family planning and maternal health
Dr Bharath said family planning was not merely about limiting the number of children. Instead, it was about ensuring that every child was born into a healthy, safe and dignified environment.
He urged parents to consider whether they had the resources to provide adequate nutrition, quality education, timely immunisation, healthcare and proper upbringing before planning their families.
The minister said the use of modern contraceptive methods in Pakistan remained lower than in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Türkiye. According to him, limited use of safe family planning methods contributes to unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, posing serious risks to women’s health and increasing pressure on the healthcare system.
Dr Bharath said a healthy mother was the foundation of a healthy family and a strong nation. He added that improving maternal health was essential for children’s development and the country’s long-term progress.
National strategy under preparation
The minister said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a National Council to address Pakistan’s population challenges.
According to Dr Bharath, the council is preparing a comprehensive national strategy to promote balanced population growth, improve maternal and child health, and strengthen family planning services across the country.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services. He said the Ministry of National Health Services would continue working with provincial governments, development partners and other institutions to improve the accessibility, quality and effectiveness of maternal and child healthcare and family planning services.
China donates reproductive health supplies
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services said the Government of China, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), had provided Pakistan with reproductive health and family planning medicines, medical supplies and equipment worth US$2 million.
The supplies were handed over at a ceremony held at the Basic Health Unit (BHU), Tarlai, Islamabad.
According to the ministry, the assistance will strengthen reproductive healthcare services, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and expand public access to quality family planning services across Pakistan.
