Pakistan may become ‘fourth most populated nation’ in five years

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal said on Wednesday Pakistan will surpass Indonesia in population growth within the next five years.

“Pakistan is currently the fifth most populous cou­ntry in the world, and at the current growth rate, it is projected to surpass Indo­nesia in next five ye­ars. The rapidly increasing population has become a serious national challe­nge, placing imm­ense pressure on healthcare, education, infrastructure, and employment sectors,” the minister said while chairing a meeting to review the growing population challenge and its implications for the country’s health system and national resources.

He said the country’s population is increasing by around 6.2 million people annually, which exceeds the total population of some countries such as New Zealand.

He noted that unchecked population growth was straining national infrastructure and undermining effective planning. “If we fail to control population growth, our vision for sustainable development will remain unachievable,” the minister said, stressing the urgent need to reduce the fertility rate from 3.6 to 2.0.

Health minister says country may surpass Indonesia in population growth

Highlighting global best practices, Mr Kamal said that countries like Bangl­adesh, Indonesia and Iran have successfully managed population growth through effective strategies, enabling them to provide better services to their people.

He reiterated that the ministry of health, in collaboration with all stakeholders, was committed to ensuring coordinated and integrated efforts to address the pressing issue.

He further stressed the need for collective national awareness and responsibility to tackle the population challenge, noting that rising population remains a significant burden on the health system.

Adviser to the finance minister Adnan Pasha Sid­d­i­qui assured full financial and policy support from the ministry to control population growth. He emphasised that strong coordination among all relevant institutions will be ens­ured to effectively address the national challenge.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026