Pakistan has an estimated 2 % population growth rate per year, which is the highest in Asia. Today, Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world with a population of approximately 180 million. By 2020, Pakistan’s population is expected to reach the 210 million mark – a situation that will burden its limited resources making it difficult for the country to meet the requirements of its people.
This alarming growth rate is causing immense pressure on the country’s resources. Given that about 40% of the population is already living below the poverty line and 5.6% (official figures) of the population is unemployed, the ever growing population of Pakistan is just adding to the problems of the already impoverished nation.
Pakistan will have to focus on reducing its population growth rate to a sustainable level in the long-term for a prosperous and better future.
TAHIR KHAN
Karachi