Fida Hussnain
Punjab Population Welfare Department Director General Saman Rai highlighted the population growth rate of the country, saying that it is surpassing even that of the regional as well as other Islamic countries in the world.
“Effective family planning is crucial for sustainable development and the well-being of our society,” said Saman Rai. She expressed these remarks during an exclusive interview to Pakistan Observer on Monday.
Revealing alarming statistics, The DG pointed out that Pakistan’s total fertility rate stands at 3.4, with an annual growth rate of 2.5, while contraceptive usage remains low.
She underscored the department’s commitment to population welfare, family planning, and counseling, with services extended directly to citizens through various channels. The DG said, “Our department is dedicated to providing accessible family planning services to all citizens of Punjab.”
Saman Rai said that the department’s outreach covers all 36 districts of Punjab including newly established ones. With 2100 family welfare centers, 129 family health clinics and mobile service units, the department provided services to the citizens at their door steps.
Rai stressed the goal of raising awareness to promote family planning adoption, stating, “We are working tirelessly to ensure that every individual has access to the necessary information and services to make informed decisions about family planning.”
Addressing negative perceptions surrounding the department, Rai clarified its objective to dispel misconceptions and assist communities in understanding the importance of family planning. She remarked, “It is essential to address misconceptions and educate the public about the benefits of family planning for the overall well-being of individuals and communities.”
Rai expressed optimism about leveraging technology for enhanced awareness, acknowledging the digital age’s potential in facilitating open discussions on sensitive topics like family planning.
She elaborated, “Technology plays a vital role in disseminating information and promoting dialogue on family planning, leading to increased awareness and informed decision-making.”
Regarding the factors contributing to population growth, Rai identified son preference and societal norms around marriage as significant drivers. She emphasized the need for balanced family planning to align with available resources, saying that, “We must promote a culture of responsible family planning to ensure that population growth is sustainable and does not outstrip available resources,”.
Recognizing the global significance of family planning initiatives, Rai reiterated the importance of maintaining a balance between population growth and resource sustainability. She believed, “Effective family planning is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring the well-being of future generations,”.
Rai stressed the necessity of planning families to ensure progress and development, pointing out the need for a quality life over mere reproduction. She envisioned a prosperous Pakistan achieved through balanced population management.
