Younger generations don't even prefer modern family planning methods, says study

Pakistan’s fertility transition has dropped since 2006, with the average woman still having 3 children, which is a minor change in two decades, according to a study by the Population Council with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The report revealing the drop in Fertility Decline and Socio-Economic Development in Pakistan says that while fertility initially declined rapidly, it has stayed constant, due to slow social and economic progress.

Factors like low female education, high child mortality and low-income growth. Cultural norms favouring larger families also discourage modern family planning.

Population Council Country Director Dr Zeba Sathar said Pakistan remains one of the few South Asian countries where fertility has declined. Improving girls’ education, skills and empowerment is essential for over-all family wellbeing.

Former Population Council vice president Dr John P.M. Bongaarts noted that other countries have successfully reduced fertility and reaped socio-economic gains, but Pakistan’s slow transition leads to rapid population growth that could weaken development unless needs for family planning are taken care of.

UNFPA Country Representative Dr Luay Shabaneh claimed that factors like structural barriers including inconsistent policies and limited contraceptive availability restrict choice of smaller families for many women. 

The study recommends coordinated investments across sectors to achieve key development goals by 2035, including increase in female secondary education, reducing poverty and inequality to help unlock further fertility decline and support long term development.