Islamabad – With Pakistan becoming the 5th most populous country globally by 2026, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called on the government to change its growth strategy.
As the population now stands above 225 million, the agency states that people are no longer to be regarded as a burden. Rather, they need to be regarded as Inclusive Development Drivers that have the potential to propel the future of the country.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, UNFPA noted that gender inequality and vulnerability to climate have never been as important an issue as of now to stabilize the situation in the country.
A New Formula for National Planning
With the new year in sight, UNFPA is demanding a significant change in the distribution of national funding. The National Finance Commission (NFC) formula is presently much dependent on the size of the population.
According to the agency, the provinces should be rewarded instead based on human rights and social welfare developments. The government can reward the development of healthcare, education, and climate resilience by considering people as Inclusive Development Drivers.
Such a reform would make sure that money leads outcomes, and provinces will be encouraged to be creative in providing support to their local communities and vulnerable populations.
Overcoming Persistent Challenges
Although there has been some development in the recent past, there are still several long-term problems that have slowed down the development of the country.
The maternal mortality rates, early marriages, and gender-based violence continue to pose a serious challenge to millions of women.
According to UNFPA, these challenges are directly associated with the unequal development of various regions.
In order to actually mobilize Inclusive Development Drivers, Pakistan has to adopt the suggestions of the Council of Common Interests. This involves putting in place specific time frames and domestic funding to deliver quality reproductive health services, particularly in remote and underserved locations.
Pakistan can harness the potential of its youth by emphasising the quality of life and not the number of citizens.
Once women and girls have equal access to opportunities and healthcare, they are the ultimate Inclusive Development Drivers to their families and the economy.
