THIS is with reference to the letter ‘The missing link in population control’ (July 21). It is fair to say that Pakistan stands at a demographic crossroads. Home to more than 240 million people, it is the world’s fifth-most populous country, with its population projected to touch 380 million by 2050. Every year, millions more require schools, hospitals, jobs, housing and clean water. Population growth, therefore, is not merely a demographic issue; it shapes every aspect of national development.

Public debate often centres on inflation, unemployment, fiscal constraints, climate change and energy shortages. Beneath each of these challenges, however, lies a demographic reality that receives far less attention than what it truly deserves. Sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without sustainable population management.

Against this backdrop, the recent reforms undertaken by the Sindh government deserve recognition. Rather than being routine administrative measures, they represent a planned effort to modernise governance through digital innovation, institutional strengthening and evidence-based policymaking. If sustained, these reforms could serve as a model for other provinces.

The philosophy behind the reforms is straightforward. Family planning is not about limiting families; it is about expanding opportunities. It enables couples to make informed reproductive choices, improves maternal and child health, empowers women and contributes to long-term economic growth. Population welfare should, therefore, be viewed as an investment in human capital rather than a recurring public expense.

A notable feature of the strategy is its due emphasis on digital governance. The introduction of the Electronic Client Record (ECR), the Contraceptive Logistics Management Information System (cLMIS) and a province-wide e-Monitoring System has strengthened transparency, account-

ability and service delivery through real- time reporting and digital performance monitoring.

Technology alone, however, cannot transform institutions. Recognising this, the government has invested in training Family Welfare Workers, introducing empathy-based counselling, strengthening professional capacity and improving outreach services. Institutional reforms, including better support for frontline staff and expanded community programmes, reflect an understanding that effective public services ultimately depend on capable and motivated professionals.

International experience reinforces this approach. Bangladesh reduced its fertility rate from more than six births per woman in the 1970s to around two today. Rwanda strengthened reproductive healthcare through digital monitoring and community health workers.

Indonesia expanded family planning by empowering local governments and engaging community leaders. Estonia demonstrated how digital governance improves transparency and public-sector efficiency, while South Korea integrated family planning service with investments in education, healthcare and women empowerment. Despite their different circumstances, these countries share one important lesson: demographic progress depends less on national wealth than on political commitment, capable institutions, reliable data and sustained investment in people.

While Sindh’s reforms reflect many of the internationally recognised principles, challenges remain. Urban-rural disparities, early marriages, misinformation, gender inequality and unequal access to healthcare continue to limit progress. Addressing these issues requires coordinated action across education, health, local government and women empowerment.

If these reforms continue with trans-parency and consistency, they could help shift Pakistan’s development narrative — from managing population growth to investing in human potential.

Mir Muhammad Kunbhar
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026