CHAPTER 9 - POPULATION
 

POPULATION PLANNING

This is the gravest challenge for Pakistan. If Pakistani population growth rate is not controlled, planned and reduced, all other efforts to bring development, peace, prosperity, democracy and security to our country will be negated.

In 1993 the PPP government inherited a galloping population growth rate of 3.1%. This was the 4th highest growth rate in the world. Pakistan had jumped from being No. 9 on the list of high population countries to No. 7.

In 1993, serious and concerted efforts were undertaken to reduce the population growth rate with large-scale funding, improvement in the efficiency of the population welfare department and outlets, mass mobilization, public awareness campaigns and a strong and sustained political commitment at the highest level. The Peoples Government succeeded in bringing down the growth rate from 3.1% in 1989 to 2.8% in 1996 under its blueprint announced in its first term. In its second term, the Peoples Government announced a second blueprint to reduce the population rate from 2.8% in 1994 to 2.6% in 1999, while simultaneously reducing infant mortality rates. In recognition of Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's efforts in this regard were recognised by the World Health Organisation.

A. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE POPULATION WELFARE PROGRAMME

• A major reduction of population growth from 3.1% to 2.8%.

• Prime Minister's active, vocal & sustained support, specially at the International Conference on Population and Development at Cairo, in 1994 and at all national conferences, events and seminars;

• Highest level political support by Prime Minister, Chief Minister's, Ministers and Parliamentarians given to this sector;

• Effective and large-scale mass media campaign for raising awareness and reaching the target population;

• Direct participation of NGO's and private sector in providing family planning services, specially through programmes such as social marketing of contraceptives;

• All health outlets provided family planning services and guidance;

• For the first time, a parliamentarians group on Population & Development was established in National Assembly and in Provincial Assemblies;

• Village based family planning workers increased from 2,500 in 1992 to 12,000 by 1996.

• Citizen's groups, professionals, religious scholars, literacy teachers were involved in raising awareness about the urgent need for family planning, the small family norm and the importance of the girl-child.

  B. POPULATION AGENDA FOR 1997-2002

• Reduce population growth rate from 2.8% in 1994 to 2.6% by 1999 and 2.0% by 2005.

• Increase contraceptive prevalence rate from 22% in 1996 to 44% in 2002 and to 54% in 2005.

• Increase coverage for population services in urban areas from 50% in 1996 to 100% in 2002, and in Rural areas from 40% in 1996 to 85% in 2002;

• Continue with the multi-pronged approach of high-level political commitment, improving the delivery and access of family planning services, involvement of health sector, private sector community organizations, NGO's & focus on target population of 18 years - 35 years;

• Promote mother & child care through the Lady Health Workers programme, with special focus on survival & health of children;

• Invite public institutions and social & religious leaders in educating the people about the importance of adopting the small family norm;

• Include population studies in all secondary school, institutes, college, and university, curriculum;

• Encourage parliamentarians to become strong advocates of population control;

• Improve training and service conditions of Family Planning Workers;

• Provide incentives and awards for best family planning workers.