Pakistan, with a population exceeding 240 million and an annual growth rate of 2.4%, faces significant chal-lenges in managing its demographic expansion. The government aims to reduce this rate to 1.5% by 2024 and 1.1% by 2030 by increasing the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) to 50% by 2025 and 60% by 2030. Achieving these targets promises substantial economic and health benefits, as highlighted by the United Na-tions Population Fund (UNFPA).
Investing in family planning is a cost-effective strategy with high economic returns. UNFPA esti-mates that every $1 spent on family planning saves up to $4 in healthcare costs by reducing maternal and child healthcare needs. Raising the CPR to 50% by 2025 could avert $1.1 billion in direct healthcare costs from 2019 to 2025 by decreasing unintended pregnancies and associated medical services. Provincially, Pun-jab could save $573 million by investing $112 million in family planning, while Sindh could save $214 mil-lion with a $67 million investment.
Similarly, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) could save $97 million, and Ba-lochistan $16.3 million, with modest investments. On average, every $1 invested in contraceptive services yields savings of $5 in Punjab, $3.2 in Sindh, $3 in KPK, and $2.3 in Balochistan. These savings can be redi-rected to other development sectors like education and infrastructure, driving economic growth.
Expanding family planning services can significantly lower maternal and child mortality rates. Achieving a 50% CPR by 2025 could prevent 19,000 maternal deaths and 190,000 child deaths nationwide. Punjab could avert 11,300 maternal and 115,000 child deaths, Sindh 4,800 maternal and 50,000 child deaths, while KPK and Balochistan would also see substantial reductions in mortality rates..
Provincial CPR data reveal a significant unmet need for family planning:
Punjab: 54% of married women wish to space or limit births, but only 38.3% use contraceptives, and 27.2% rely on modern methods. The total fertility rate (TFR) is 3.4 children per woman. Sindh: 48.6% of married women desire family planning, yet only 30.9% use contraceptives, and 24.4% adopt modern meth-ods. The TFR is 3.6. KPK: 51.4% wish to space or limit births, but only 30.7% use contraceptives, with 23% utilizing modern methods. The TFR is 4. Balochistan: 41.5% have family planning needs, but only 19.8% use contraceptives, and 14% rely on modern methods. The TFR is 4. Family planning also empow-ers women, allowing them to pursue education and employment opportunities, contributing to economic productivity and a demographic dividend where a larger working-age population drives growth. Challenges and Opportunities
Despite benefits, Pakistan faces challenges in expanding family planning services. The national CPR remains at 34.2%, with only 25% of married women using modern contraceptives. Cultural barriers, lack of awareness, and limited rural access hinder progress. The private sector plays a significant role, and better integration between public and private services could improve accessibility.
Expanding family planning services is both a health necessity and an economic imperative. By investing in contraceptive access, Pakistan can save billions in healthcare costs, reduce maternal and child mortality, and empower women to contribute to economic development. Achieving the 60% CPR target by 2030 requires sustained government commitment and collaboration with the private sector and civil society. The long-term benefits promise a healthier, more prosperous future for Pakistan.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
