Population and Poverty Nexus in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan has one of the highest population growth rates in the world. Rapid population growth is the bone of contention as well as the crux of the problems. 80 million people live below the poverty line. Macroeconomic instability, rising absolute and relative poverty and worsening income inequalities are the direct as well as indirect result of the high population growth. Population pressures are threatening land, forests and water resources. Improvement in operation and implementation of the family planning programme, increase in female literacy rate and enhancement of women social status can help reduce population growth and poverty. The demographic window argument is far-fetched and irrelevant to Pakistan. A redistribution of agriculture land through radical changes in land tenure coupled with corresponding changes in rural institutions that direct production are expected to help reduce poverty significantly and also improve socio-economic scene in the rural areas. A sound population policy coupled with political motivation can take care of rapid population growth and poverty.