Pakistan has a population of about 240 million, making it the fifth most populous country in the world. It is growing at a rate of more than 2% per year. This rapid increase in the country’s population creates a dichotomy in terms of whether it brings benefits or challenges to the country.The debate over whether Pakistan’s population is a blessing or a curse is crucial as it affects economic potential, resource management, infrastructure, and the need for effective government policies.
Comparing Pakistan’s Current Scenario with the other Most Populated States
The other four most populated states include India, China, the United States, and Indonesia respectively. These countries have better economies and markets to feed their heavy populations which can turn them into a blessing for their states. China is considered to be the upcoming superpower while the US is already enjoying the role of being a superpower state on the global stage. India’s market is expanding rapidly and is the biggest market in South Asia, while Indonesia, being in Southeast Asia, enjoys the privileges of Foreign Direct Investments through ASEAN.
Pakistan, on the contrary, has an alarming population growth rate which can be a burden on the state in upcoming years, and to many extent, it has already become a burden on the government and the country’s economy. Pakistan is unfortunately not enjoying a prestigious position in the international community due to terrorism, past training to Mujahedeen against the Soviet Union, recognition of Taliban as a legal government, and insurgencies after the 9/11 attack. These are the reasons why foreign countries are reluctant to have FDIs here. Moreover, Pakistan does not have a satisfactory bilateral relationship with the US due to the Pak-China alliance. All these scenarios cause Pakistan’s economy to decline day by day.
The country’s population can turn into a blessing if it is utilized well in underlying aspects:
Economic Potential
When properly utilized, a rapidly growing labor force can enhance economic productivity.Pakistan’s young population could boost businesses, particularly in the areas of technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.Millions of Pakistanis working abroad also bring home remittances, totaling more than $30 billion in 2022, providing a key source of foreign exchange for the country.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Younger populations are likely to be more innovative.Pakistan has seen a rise in startups in the fintech, e-commerce, and healthcare sectors, thanks to programs like the National Incubation Centers (NICs) and increased foreign investment.If Pakistan’s entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by supportive policies, it has the potential to trigger tremendous economic growth.
Cultural Diversity
Pakistan has around 70 languages and ethnic groups, making it a culturally diverse country.This diversity can help strengthen social consistency, encourage tourism, and promote creativity.A dynamic cultural industry can serve to create a more inclusive society that promotes social stability and economic progress.
The Burden of Overpopulation
Despite these advantages, Pakistan’s population growth establishes significant problems, in particular with regard to resource management, infrastructure, and human capital investments.
Resource Strain
One of the most important challenges linked to the widening of the population in Pakistan is the scarcity of resources, in particular water.
Pakistan is one of the countries most linked to water in the world and, with population growth, the lack of water is deteriorating. Agriculture, which uses 40% of the job population, is particularly affected by poor water management, climate change, and interference with the city in arable land.Nutritional security remains an essential concern unless agricultural techniques are improved and resources are used in a sustainable manner.
Unemployment
Population growth also leads to increased unemployment and underemployment.With nearly 2 million new entrants into the workforce each year, Pakistan struggles to provide enough jobs.
The country’s unemployment rate is around 6.9%, with youth unemployment even higher.Additionally, a significant portion of the workforce works in the informal sector, which is characterized by low earnings and lack of job security, hindering economic development.
Education and Healthcare Gaps
Pakistan’s education system needs to be improved to ensure its young population becomes an asset.However, the country has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world: about 22.8 million.This learning gap affects Pakistan’s ability to develop a skilled workforce and limits its future economic potential.
Likewise, the health system is overburdened. Poor health outcomes, such as high maternal and neonatal mortality rates and widespread hunger, highlight the urgent need to improve health infrastructure.Without significant investment in education and health, the population explosion could turn into a demographic disaster.
Urbanization andInfrastructureIssues
Urbanization is another consequence of population growth, with cities such as Karachi and Lahore struggling to keep up with the influx of rural migrants.This has led to significant traffic congestion, inadequate housing, and pollution.
Public services, especially health care and law enforcement, are overburdened, worsening urban problems. The expansion of informal communities, also known as “katchiabadis,” highlights the importance of proper urban planning.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s population is both a blessing and a curse, depending on how it is managed.The young, active population promises enormous economic growth, innovation, and cultural development.
However, challenges such as unemployment, resource scarcity, and poor infrastructure threaten to undermine these prospects.
Transforming Pakistan’s population into a true asset requires significant investments in human capital, sustainable development, and equitable distribution of resources.Decisions made today will determine whether Pakistan’s people are its greatest asset or its greatest obstacle.
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