Islamabad. The role of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir will no longer be limited only to the country’s security and military matters. The Government of Pakistan has included him in the high level committee formed to control the rapidly increasing population of the country. Pakistani Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal said that the government is taking decisions in this direction considering population growth as a national priority. Asim Munir has also been given a place in this committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan’s population currently exceeds 259 million, making it the 5th most populous country in the world.
It is estimated that by the year 2030, Pakistan can leave Indonesia behind and reach the fourth position. This situation is being considered a serious challenge for Pakistan which is facing economic crisis. The Government of Pakistan believes that the ever increasing population is putting huge pressure on the country’s limited resources. According to the Health Ministry, an average of 67 lakh children are born every year in the country. Limited availability of family planning resources and lack of easy access to contraceptive products are also major reasons. The government is now considering giving tax exemption on contraceptive products and increasing their availability.
Most populous province Punjab
According to the report, changes have also been proposed in the existing formula for distribution of financial resources to the provinces. At present, about 80 percent of resources are distributed on the basis of population, which is planned to be reduced to less than 50 percent, so that over-growth of population can be prevented. However, political and social debate has also intensified in Pakistan regarding this decision. The most populous province of Punjab may have the biggest impact because its share in the distribution of resources is likely to be affected.
Why is the decision being criticized?
Punjab is considered the political stronghold of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. It is also the major center of economic and administrative activities of Pakistan. In such a situation, there is a possibility of increasing differences among the provinces regarding this proposal. Experts say that if the current rate of population growth remains around 2.55 percent, it will become more difficult for Pakistan to develop within its resources and economic potential. Meanwhile, many people raised questions as to how practical it is to give the responsibility of population control to the Army Chief when the country is facing security challenges, violence in Balochistan, tension on the Afghanistan border and economic crisis.
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