The World Population Day, observed on July 11, is aimed at raising awareness regarding problems faced by the high and rising global population. These issues are mostly social and environmental in nature. Currently, the world faces conflicts over water resources, energy, food, land, transportation and infrastructure. With an increasing global population these issues are likely to intensity.

Additionally, social issues that are a challenge to the world population today are health services that range from the Covid-19 pandemic to issues specifically affecting women. These issues include reproductive, maternal, and sexual health issues, and the health services that address them. Experts have analysed trends in birth, death and migration rates both before and after Covid-19 breakout to determine that the world population will be permanently affected by the pandemic.

According to the United Nations Fund for Population (UNFP), the pandemic has negatively affected population trends of issues such as gender based violence and child marriage. As a result of the pandemic millions of women have dropped out of the work force in order to care for children and elders. This has affected their financial independence and may have long term effects on their way of life.

Pakistan, the fifth most populated country in the world, has a high population density and a high rate of population growth. It is facing challenges of water shortage, electricity shortage, unemployment, health, education and law and order. Successive governments have struggled to overcome the problem of overpopulation. The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted some of its structural problems. As we look forward to a great future for our young population, we must take the problem of overpopulation seriously.