LAHORE: Meher Kashif Younis, Coordinator to Minister of State and Federal Tax Ombudsman, stated on Wednesday that overpopulation constituted a significant problem to Pakistan’s economy, putting a strain on resources, infrastructure, and socioeconomic stability.
Addressing a conference on the “Impact of Overpopulation on Pakistan Economy” held here under the auspices of the Gold Ring Economic Forum (GREF), a strategic think-tank, he stated that with a population of over 220 million, Pakistan is dealing with the negative consequences of overpopulation in a variety of sectors.
According to Meher, natural resources were depleted, worsening environmental degradation, excessive water consumption, deforestation, and rising pollution, all of which posed dangers to sustainable development and exacerbated climate change issues.
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The coordinator stated that increased urbanisation, spurred by population expansion, results in the formation of slums and insufficient living conditions, worsening socioeconomic gaps.
“To mitigate its impact, we must prioritize comprehensive family planning programmes, invest in education and healthcare infrastructure, and implement policies that promote sustainable resource management,” he went on to say.
Addressing these issues is essential for promoting economic progress, social well-being, and environmental sustainability in Pakistan.
Meher Kashif Younis stated that the growing population increased competition for jobs, resulting in a higher unemployment rate. This not only strained the social fabric but also contributed to increased poverty levels as a significant portion of the population struggled to secure sustainable livelihoods.
