Pakistan's Fertility Stagnation: Breaking the Cycle

A new study by the Population Council, backed by the FCDO, reveals Pakistan's fertility rates have been stagnant since 2006. Deep-rooted cultural norms, low female education, high child mortality, and slow economic growth contribute to this stall. The report highlights the need for improved educational and economic opportunities for women.

Pakistan's fertility transition has hit a standstill, showing little progress since 2006. The Population Council, in collaboration with the FCDO, released a report titled 'Unlocking the Stall in Fertility Decline and Socio-Economic Development in Pakistan,' highlighting that the once-declining fertility rates have stagnated due to slow social and economic advancement, according to Dawn.

As per Dawn, the study underscores enduring cultural values that favor larger families, resulting in scant acceptance of modern contraception, even among youth. Key factors such as low female education, high child mortality rates, and sluggish income growth continue to drive the fertility stagnation. Dr. Zeba Sathar, Country Director for the Population Council, noted that Pakistan is unique in South Asia for having unchanged fertility rates for nearly two decades, averaging 3.6 children per woman. She stressed that enhancing women's education, empowerment, and economic roles is crucial for change.

In a broader context, Dr. John PM Bongaarts, former Vice President of the Population Council, observed that while other nations have experienced lower population growth paired with economic progress, Pakistan's fertility stagnation threatens its development path. He emphasized the urgency of addressing unmet family planning needs and ensuring consistent reproductive health services to prevent future population challenges.

Dr. Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA Country Representative, noted that despite a shift towards smaller families among women, policy inconsistencies, frail health infrastructure, and insufficient contraceptive availability restrict options. He advocated for the nationwide expansion of the Lady Health Workers program. The study urges that by 2035, Pakistan should aim to halve child mortality, double secondary educational attainment for women, and reduce poverty and inequality to address the fertility stagnation, as per Dawn. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)