By Mehrab Shah Afridi
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rapid population growth is intensifying pressure on already overstretched education and health systems, with experts warning that delays in family planning reforms and policy implementation could have lasting socio-economic consequences.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged tribal districts, around 15,000 additional children have fallen out of school following the closure of the five-year Alternative Learning Pathways (ALP) initiative. The setback adds to the province’s estimated 4.9 million out-of-school children, according to official figures.
Education stakeholders say a proposed Annual Development Programme scheme under the Elementary and Secondary Education Department — intended to provide alternative learning opportunities for affected children — has been pending for five months due to administrative delays.
Meanwhile, the Mar Jadair Education Foundation submitted a PC-I proposal six months ago seeking approval to establish ALP centres and community feeder schools in the merged districts. The plan remains stalled amid objections and procedural bottlenecks within the department.
Analysts argue the crisis cannot be separated from Pakistan’s demographic trajectory. As the population grows steadily, demand for schools, teachers, healthcare facilities and jobs continues to outpace available resources.
Public health specialists say strengthening family planning services and expanding access to reproductive healthcare must form part of any long-term response. Informed family planning, they note, improves maternal and child health outcomes while helping families better manage household finances.
Urban planners have also warned of mounting strain on housing, water supply and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in major cities where unplanned expansion has created acute service gaps.
Observers caution that unless population management strategies are integrated into education and development planning, the number of out-of-school children will continue to rise, undermining human capital formation and economic stability.
They have urged the government to fast-track delayed education projects, improve interdepartmental coordination and prioritise comprehensive family planning initiatives to safeguard the prospects of future generations.
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