Islamabad: “Population growth and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are intrinsically linked and fertility decline could work like magic for Pakistan in achieving all SDGs”.

Romina Khurshid Alam Convener National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs at launch of Monograph on Population and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its Linkages in Pakistani Context hihhlighted how effective awareness and spread of family planning methods can impact directly and indirectly in cost-effective manner on attainment of several SDGs.

Romina said that provincial and national parliamentarians need to join hands in improving access and information of family planning services, as they represent public and can be instrumental in reaching out to local communities. “We need to follow footsteps of Muslim countries who have successfully lowered their fertility rate. Targets of education, nutrition, sustainable environment and gender equality cannot be achieved if rapid population continues to grow at current pace”, she added.

Launch event organised by Population Council in collaboration with National SDGs Secretariat and United Nations Population Fund was well attended by members of SDGs Taskforce, federal and provincial parliamentarians, government officials and representatives of UN agencies, donors, civil society organizations and media.

Dr. Zeba Sathar, Country Director Population Council said, “Being fifth most populous country in world, the impact of population dynamics like population size, its distribution and rate of growth are critical in attainment of all 17 SDGs in more than one way in Pakistan.

Pakistan can be better positioned to achieve SDGs if policy makers prioritize family planning in policies, programmes and funding.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 16 2022

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