Parties urged to fulfil commitments to sustainable population growth

ISLAMABAD: The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called upon political parties to fulfil their commitments outlined in their manifestos regarding sustainable population growth once in power. Unwavering political commitment is critical for creating a balance between the population and available resources to ensure Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

While most countries in the region, except Afghanistan, have experienced sharp declines in fertility and a slowing of population growth rates, Pakistan lags with double the rates of the region.

Behind each of the experiences of Bangladesh, Iran, and Indonesia is the evidence of strong commitment by the political leadership, based on the conviction that a sustainable population growth rate aligns with human rights and voluntary family planning services.

This was discussed during the CSOs Coalition Meeting organised by the Population Council with support from UNFPA here in Islamabad. Dr. Ali Mir, Senior Director of Programmes at the Population Council, said, “Rapid population growth in Pakistan is tied to all aspects of the country’s development and has contributed directly to our economic and political challenges. Strong political resolve is imperative to achieve a balance between population and resources, which has been reflected in the manifestos of all major political parties in the country.”

He highlighted the role of CSOs in holding political parties accountable, besides integrating family planning into their respective work plans.

Presenting the qualitative analysis of the manifesto commitments of leading political parties regarding population management, Samia Ali Shah, Project Director at the Population Council, said, “All political parties should convert their respective population management commitments into policies and ensure their implementation.”

She also urged civil society organisations to play their role in monitoring the implementation of the commitments and making them accountable for their pledges. “Political commitment can only materialise if the head of government includes population management as the top priority during the first address to the nation and the task force on population is convened at the earliest and chaired by the Prime Minister,” she added.

Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Programme Specialist at UNFPA, urged the CSO coalition to exert pressure on provincial governments to ensure accountability for fulfilling both national and international commitments within their respective provinces, particularly regarding the implementation of their manifesto pledges.

Additionally, he emphasised the importance of integrating family planning initiatives into the grassroots work of CSOs.

Reiterating their commitments to holding political parties accountable for their pledges, the CSOs Coalition emphasised the need for political parties to emulate the examples set by neighbouring Muslim countries, where political determination played a pivotal role in achieving sustainable population growth. The coalition also called for targeted initiatives to address the unmet needs of marginalised women, along with increased involvement of the private sector in family planning services, underscoring the importance of provincial governments ensuring the consistent supply of contraceptives.