ISLAMABAD: On the eve of World Population Day, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for Population has emphasised the significance of population issues and their profound impact on national development.

This year’s theme, ‘Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All’ resonates strongly with the vision for a healthy and prosperous Pakistan.

The day observed on July 11, the CSOs has called on federal and provincial governments to honour their commitments to population management outlined in their manifestos, aiming for sustainable population growth.

Established in 2021, the coalition comprises 30 NGOs, think tanks, and professional networks advocating for sustainable population growth in Pakistan and monitoring government progress on implementation of the 2018 CCI decisions to improve family planning programmes.

“A critical issue is the lack of dis-aggregated data from the 2023 census, which hampers informed policymaking. The coalition questions the delay and urges the government to release this data promptly,” emphasised a statement issued on Wednesday.

Pakistan faces significant challenges in managing population growth, impacting resources and public services.

Once water-abundant, Pakistan is now the world’s third most water-stressed country and is not able to meet the per capita need of the growing population.

The coalition stresses reducing maternal mortality, with 11,000 maternal deaths occurring annually in Pakistan, a third of which are due to closely spaced and repeated pregnancies.

Increasing contraceptive use from 34pc to 52pc could save 3,800 mothers. Similarly, the high infant mortality rate, with 62 infants dying per 1,000 live births, could be reduced by saving 140,000 infants with increased contraceptive use.

“Pakistan’s young population, with 60pc under 30, faces low education levels and limited employment opportunities. The coalition asks that the government’s strategies must leverage this demographic dividend and address the high ratio of out-of-school children, where one in three is not in school. Effective policies are needed to ensure these children receive an education,” it stated.

The coalition has urged the government to explore all possible avenues to expand access to family planning services to lower the high unmet need for family planning. It has recommended that community-based health workers such as community midwives (CMWs) and lady health workers (LHWs) are engaged to improve access to family planning services in remote and rural areas.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2024