Islamabad [Pakistan], December 11 (ANI): Pakistan’s population has surpassed 257 million despite slowing growth and fertility rates, intensifying pressure on the country’s fragile infrastructure and economy. US Census Bureau data cited by The Express Tribune show the annual growth rate has eased to 1.82% while fertility has declined to 3.25 births per woman, but remains well above the global replacement level of 2.1 and will continue driving growth for at least another generation.
Economists warn this trajectory could overwhelm education, healthcare, housing, and employment through the 2030s and 2040s. Without substantial job creation, the “youth bulge” risks becoming a socioeconomic burden rather than a dividend. Life expectancy remains low at 60.5 years and under-five mortality is nearly 65 deaths per 1,000 live births, exposing persistent gaps in maternal health, nutrition, and primary care.
Population density has risen to 333 people per square kilometre, exacerbating land and service pressures. Urban areas show unplanned growth, overcrowded transport, and expanding informal settlements as infrastructure lags behind demographic change. Compared regionally, India and Bangladesh have pushed fertility toward replacement levels and are reaping demographic and economic benefits through sustained investments in education and health; Pakistan risks falling behind unless it prioritises human capital.
Demographers and economists urge urgent investments in women’s education, reproductive healthcare, and job generation to avoid an ageing population with underdeveloped human capital. (ANI)
