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ISLAMABAD:
With Pakistan’s population growing faster than jobs, services and healthcare capacity, a parliamentary panel on Tuesday said population growth is a growing national risk.
The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, expressed concern about the pressure that unbridled population growth is putting on employment, public services and health indicators.
The panel also reviewed long-standing disputes surrounding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), vacant teaching positions and the allocation of development funds.
The committee considered the private members’ bill titled “National Population and Reproductive Health Bill, 2026”, reviewed issues relating to MDCAT and vacant seats in medical and dental colleges, examined population growth and its impact on maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) and discussed the proposed budget of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination for the financial year 2026-27.
Initially, the committee resolved the private member’s bill titled “Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2025” due to the absence of the sponsor in three consecutive meetings.
Discussion on another private member’s bill, “The Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, 2025”, was adjourned at the request of the promoter company.
While deliberating on the ‘National Population and Reproductive Health Bill, 2026’, the committee members expressed serious concern over rapid population growth and its adverse implications for national resources, employment opportunities and public services.
Members emphasized the need for a comprehensive and uniform national policy to effectively address population growth.
The Ministry of National Health Services raised technical objections to the bill, citing the existence of a Federal Working Group on population.
