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ISLAMABAD:
As Pakistan’s population grows faster than jobs, services and health capacity, a parliamentary panel on Tuesday flagged population growth as a rising national risk.
The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, expressed concern about the strain unchecked population growth is putting on jobs, public services and health indicators.
The panel also reiterated long-standing disputes over the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), teaching vacancies and the allocation of development funds.
The Committee considered the private member’s bill entitled “The National Population and Reproductive Health Bill, 2026”, reviewed issues relating to MDCAT and vacancies in medical and dental schools, examined population growth and its impact on maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and discussed the proposed Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) budget for the Regulation of the National Health Year, Ministry of National Health Coordination. 2026-27.
Initially, the committee disposed of the private member’s bill titled “The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025” due to the absence of the mover in three consecutive sittings.
Discussion on another private member’s bill, “The Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025”, was postponed at the request of the mover.
While debating “The National Population and Reproductive Health Bill, 2026”, committee members expressed serious concern over rapid population growth and its negative impact on national resources, employment opportunities and public services.
Members emphasized the need for a comprehensive and uniform national policy to effectively address population growth.
The Department of National Health Services raised technical objections to the bill, citing the existence of a federal Task Force on Population.
