SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
Population size, growth rate, and its composition play an important role in the social and economic development of a country. Demographic statistics of a country is essential for drafting the plans, framework of economic policies and judging the growth and development. Pakistan is among those developing countries where population growth is fairly high. According to new Pakistan Economic Survey 2013-14, at present it is the sixth most populous country in the world with projected population of 188 million. According to World Population Data Sheet 2013, Pakistan with population of 363 million in 2050 is expected to retain the same position. The population growth rate in Pakistan is 1.95 percent, which is higher than average growth rate of South Asian countries. The major cause behind higher growth rate is high fertility rate. According to official figures, the projected population for 2015 is 191 million, up from the current figure of 170 million, making it the sixth most populated nation on earth. By 2050 it is expected to climb into fourth place. There is now increasing evidence that investments, among others, in education, health, including reproductive health, women’s empowerment and slower population growth contribute towards poverty reduction. In general, it has also been found that where there is rapid population growth and high fertility rates, poverty incidence is also highest. 96 per cent of women who have ever been married are aware of at least one family planning method, fewer than half have ever used one, and less than 30 per cent of married women currently use a contraceptive. The survey also shows 25 per cent of married couples would like to use contraception but are not doing so, mainly because they lack access to advice or contraceptives.
This is bad news for a country that has struggled to provide its people with adequate food, healthcare or education. Malnutrition rates are high and are linked to 50 per cent of infant and child deaths; there is one doctor for every 1,183 people; and the literacy rate of 57 per cent is among the lowest in South Asia, says a report by IRIN, the UN information unit.
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