Is population Explosion a threat to Pakistan’s Economic Development?

Abstract

Purpose: Population growth and its impact on economic development have been a subject of major concern among demographers, economists, and social scientists. Some believe that rapid population growth is a significant problem, while others consider it just a hoax. Previous studies have discovered the negative as well as the positive and profound impact of rapid population growth on economic development. The present study analyses population growth and its impact on economic development in the context of Pakistan.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: A Descriptive Methodology is found suitable to analyze the population growth and its impact on economic development in the context of Pakistan. In this regard, 50 articles from google scholar and statistical reports from World Bank are studied. The data is taken from World Bank Indicators and presented in the form of charts.
 Findings: It is found that poor family planning, high fertility, low status of women in society, and illiteracy are the main contributors to rapid population growth in Pakistan. The study concludes that rapid population growth in Pakistan contributes to higher unemployment, lower per-capita income, and depletion of natural resources.
 Implications/Originality/Value: It further recommends that rapid population growth can be addressed by educating the women, contraceptive-use campaigns or community-based programs, and investing in family planning programs.