Pakistan Appeals to Religious Leaders for Family Planning Support

At a Population Summit in Islamabad, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar issued a strong call for Islamic scholars and leaders to champion family planning and reproductive health initiatives. He warned that deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes were preventing women from accessing lifesaving maternal care, contributing to Pakistan’s worsening population crisis.

Tarar highlighted that Pakistan is adding the equivalent of “the size of New Zealand every year” to its population, placing immense pressure on healthcare systems, education, jobs, and economic growth. International agencies like the World Bank and UN have repeatedly cautioned that Pakistan’s demographic trajectory could undermine development gains unless family planning uptake increases.

The minister pointed to alarming statistics: Pakistan records among the highest infant and maternal mortality rates globally, with UNICEF data showing nearly 50 deaths per 1,000 live births. He described the neglect of maternal health as “criminal negligence”, stressing that religion should be seen as a facilitator, not a barrier, to family planning.

Tarar praised the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for publicly supporting population management initiatives, noting that religious leaders are essential in shifting public attitudes. He emphasized that Islam highlights responsibilities toward maternal and child health, and urged mosques to play a role in spreading awareness.

Beyond family planning, Tarar called for reforms to recognize postpartum depression as a serious issue, often dismissed in Pakistan despite its impact on new mothers. He urged parliamentarians to adopt legislation supporting reproductive rights and mental health protections.

The minister linked Pakistan’s economic challenges directly to demographic pressures, warning that rapid population growth is straining resources, limiting job creation, and weakening recovery efforts. He called for a nationwide shift “from awareness to action”, combining legislation, education, community-based messaging, and outreach through religious institutions.

This appeal underscores Pakistan’s urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy to address its demographic crisis, with religion, governance, and community engagement working hand in hand to safeguard maternal health and ensure sustainable development.