From iftar table to hard truths: Punjab officials warn of population surge as Pakistan adds ‘a Denmark every year’

At a Ramazan iftar briefing in Lahore, Punjab’s Population and Family Planning officials warned that Pakistan’s population has crossed 270 million and is growing by 6.4 million people annually, nearly the size of Denmark each year, raising urgent economic and social concerns.

Imran Malik – MediaBites Editorial

LAHORE: What began as a routine Ramazan iftar invitation turned into a sobering national conversation as Punjab’s Population Welfare and Family Planning Department convened journalists and stakeholders at Faletti’s Hotel in Lahore.

Over a sumptuous iftar dinner, officials presented a stark demographic reality that they said demands urgent national attention.

Pakistan’s population has crossed 270 million, making it the world’s fourth most populous country, with an annual growth rate of around 1.6%. If current trends persist, officials warned, the figure could surge to nearly 330 million by 2030.

The economic indicators are equally troubling. Pakistan’s per capita income stands at approximately $1,710, placing it around 185th globally. By comparison, neighboring India ranks 164th with a per capita income of about $3,050. “It’s not a figure we proudly advertise,” one official remarked during the presentation.

Each year, Pakistan adds nearly 6.4 million people — roughly equivalent to adding a city the size of Rawalpindi annually. In global terms, that is almost equal to the entire population of Denmark.

“This is not just growth. This is acceleration,” a department representative emphasized.

Managing the surge

The central question raised during the session was unavoidable: how will the state manage such rapid population expansion?

Officials admitted there is no single comprehensive solution in place. In the current scenario, they described the distribution and improved accessibility of contraceptives as the most practical and immediate policy tool.

However, even that approach faces structural and fiscal challenges.

All contraceptives used in Pakistan are imported and subject to an 18% duty. A senior official shared that a request was made to the prime minister to waive the duty, arguing that low-income families lack the purchasing power to afford family planning products. While the duty was reportedly waived briefly, it was reinstated within three days due to fiscal pressures linked to International Monetary Fund commitments.

The episode highlighted the tension between economic constraints and long-term social planning.

The cultural barrier

Beyond fiscal issues lies a deeper societal challenge: stigma.

Buying and selling contraceptives remains taboo in many communities. Officials acknowledged that fear, embarrassment, and misinformation prevent many couples from accessing family planning services.

Participants stressed the need for religious scholars and media professionals to play a proactive role in reframing the conversation around responsible parenthood and economic sustainability. Without broader societal acceptance, even well-crafted policy measures may fail to achieve meaningful impact.

Voices at the table

Among those who participated in the session were Ch. Muhammad Afzal, Director IEC; Mazzhar Iqbal, DPWO; and Aamir Yousaf, DSM Marie Stopes Society. The media representation included Umar Daraz Gondal (ABN News), Ahsan Raza (Dawn), Sarfraz Ali (Daily Pakistan), Imran Malik (Media Bites), and Salman Ali (OLX).

Their presence underscored the department’s effort to move the debate beyond bureaucratic corridors and into public discourse.

A demographic crossroads

As the evening concluded, the tone remained reflective. Pakistan’s demographic trajectory presents both opportunity and risk. A youthful population can become an economic dividend — but only if supported by adequate education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and gender inclusion.

Otherwise, unchecked growth may intensify pressure on resources, infrastructure, and public finances.

The iftar gathering ended with a shared realization: population policy can no longer remain a peripheral issue discussed behind closed doors. It must become a national priority — before another “Denmark” is added to Pakistan’s population map next year.