Urgent Reform Needed for Pakistan's Population Funding Formula
NFC reform urged to keep population from burgeoning
Dawn
Image: Dawn
Lawmakers in Pakistan are calling for urgent reforms to the National Finance Commission (NFC) funding formula to reduce reliance on population metrics, emphasizing the need for a focus on human development indicators. With the population projected to reach 390 million by 2050, concerns over rapid growth and its economic implications were raised during a pre-budget session organized by the Population Council and UNFPA.
- 01Senator Sherry Rehman warned that Pakistan's population is projected to increase by 62% to 390 million by 2050.
- 02Currently, 40% of children under five are stunted due to malnourishment, highlighting urgent human welfare issues.
- 03Adnan Pasha Siddiqui emphasized that better management of population growth could have significantly increased Pakistan's GDP and per capita income.
- 04Dr. Melania Hidayat from UNFPA called for the removal of the contraceptive tax, framing family planning as a crucial economic investment.
- 05Participants agreed on linking resource allocation to human development indicators and addressing regional disparities in service delivery.
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In a recent pre-budget session, Pakistani lawmakers from various political parties emphasized the urgent need to reform the National Finance Commission (NFC) funding formula, which currently over-relies on population metrics. Senator Sherry Rehman, chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on Population (PFP), warned that the country faces a looming population explosion, projecting a 62% increase to 390 million by 2050. This surge poses significant challenges to basic rights and long-term sustainability, with 40% of children under five suffering from stunting due to malnutrition. The session, supported by the Population Council and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), highlighted the economic implications of population growth, with Adnan Pasha Siddiqui noting that better management could have led to a higher GDP and per capita income. Additionally, Dr. Melania Hidayat stressed the importance of family planning as a sound economic investment. The discussion concluded with a commitment to link resource allocation with human development indicators and to closely review budgetary allocations for population and family planning.
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The proposed reforms aim to address the economic challenges posed by rapid population growth, which could improve living conditions and economic stability for future generations.
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