Pakistan’s fertility rate has fallen from six living births per day. Woman in 1994 to 3.6 in 2024, according to the United Nations World Fertility Report 2024.
Despite this, the country is expected to become the third most populous nation in the world in 2050 that surpasses the United States, Indonesia, Brazil and Russia.
Pakistan’s population, 31 million at the time of its independence in 1947, reached 241 million according to the census of 2023.
The country has dealt with population growth through various measures, including family planning programs, contraception distribution and rural campaigns.
Collaboration with international bodies, such as the UN Population Fund, has also been part of the government’s strategy. However, cultural and religious barriers continue with gender inequality and limited access to education to prevent progress.
The UN projects Pakistan’s population will exceed 380 million by 2050, with the fertility rate expected to fall further to 2.5 by 2054.
The report also highlighted that countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic Congo together with Pakistan will make up 43 percent of global births by 2024.
“Three other country examples… Fertility levels still had over six living births per day. Maintaining fertility over replacement levels in countries such as Pakistan.
The UN has emphasized the importance of reducing teenage rates through targeted interventions to relieve social and economic pressure.
“To reduce the growth in the number of living births in the future would allow governments and families to allocate resources more effectively to invest in children and youth health and well -being,” notes the report.
In addition, the UN has called on to end marriages of children, improve sexual and reproductive health access and improve mothers care for young mothers. “Governments should also strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect girls and women’s rights,” the report advises.
As the fertility rate falls in countries like Pakistan, efforts to improve education, gender equality and healthcare are crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for these nations.
