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Pakistan's all-powerful Army Chief Asim Munir seems to have become Islamabad's answer to almost every pressing challenge, be it the country's enduring economic crisis or diplomatic engagement with world powers. Now, Munir has another role: helping tackle Pakistan's population challenge.&nbsp;It may be unusual for an army chief to dabble in civilian administrative matters in most countries, but Pakistan increasingly seems to have only one answer to every major challenge: the omnipotent Asim Munir.&nbsp;As Pakistan's population continues to grow rapidly despite already being the world's fifth most populous country, and with projections suggesting it could overtake Indonesia by around 2030 to become the fourth largest, the country has little choice but to address the mounting demographic pressure alongside its economic challenges.&nbsp;To tackle the issue, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to recommend policy reforms aimed at slowing population growth, with Munir among its members.&nbsp;Pakistani Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced the move during a Senate meeting earlier this week, Dawn reported.&nbsp;According to Kamal, the fact that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined hands with Munir on the matter "reflects the government's seriousness in tackling the rapid population growth". However, he did not elaborate on the measures being considered or any specific suggestions made by Munir.&nbsp;"The government is treating this issue with the highest priority and important policy decisions are being taken at every level," the health minister was quoted as saying. He added that the finance and planning ministers are also members of the committee.&nbsp;According to Dawn, the government could also revise the formula for allocating federal revenue to provinces. At present, revenue is distributed largely on the basis of population, a system that effectively gives provinces an incentive to maintain higher population numbers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-the-blood-of-his-slain-predecessor-and-father-soon-1783769496896">Iran's Supreme Leader vows to 'avenge the blood' of his slain predecessor and father 'soon'</a><h2>From diplomacy to the economy</h2>Even before adding this new responsibility to his portfolio, Munir had increasingly emerged as Islamabad's top diplomat, making multiple high-profile visits to China, the United States and countries in the Middle East.&nbsp;Munir led Pakistan's mediation efforts during the recent US-Iran conflict, juggling diplomacy between Tehran and Washington before Islamabad hosted high-level talks on April 11 and 12, which were attended by US Vice President JD Vance, just days after an initial ceasefire on April 7.&nbsp;In June 2023, months after taking over as army chief, Munir established the Special Investment Facilitation Council. The body acts as a powerful clearinghouse designed to bypass Pakistan's bureaucratic red tape and gives the military direct decision-making powers in sectors including agriculture, mining, information technology, energy and defence production.<h2>Munir's powers expand after Operation Sindoor</h2>Following India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan elevated Munir to the rank of Field Marshal despite suffering heavy losses during the 72-hour conflict.&nbsp;Islamabad further expanded its authority through the 27th Constitutional Amendment passed in November 2025, creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces and placing the navy and air force under his command in addition to the army.&nbsp;The Pakistan Army Act was also amended to extend the tenure of the army chief from three years to five years. Munir, who was originally due to retire in 2027, can now remain in office until 2030. After completing his tenure, he will retain the rank of Field Marshal and enjoy legal immunity for life.

Pakistan's all-powerful Army chief has been appointed to a government committee tasked with recommending policy reforms to tackle the country's rapid population growth, adding population control to his expanding portfolio beyond defence, diplomacy and the economy.

Pakistan's all-powerful Army Chief Asim Munir seems to have become Islamabad's answer to almost every pressing challenge, be it the country's enduring economic crisis or diplomatic engagement with world powers. Now, Munir has another role: helping tackle Pakistan's population challenge. It may be unusual for an army chief to dabble in civilian administrative matters in most countries, but Pakistan increasingly seems to have only one answer to every major challenge: the omnipotent Asim Munir. As Pakistan's population continues to grow rapidly despite already being the world's fifth most populous country, and with projections suggesting it could overtake Indonesia by around 2030 to become the fourth largest, the country has little choice but to address the mounting demographic pressure alongside its economic challenges. To tackle the issue, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to recommend policy reforms aimed at slowing population growth, with Munir among its members. Pakistani Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced the move during a Senate meeting earlier this week, Dawn reported. According to Kamal, the fact that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined hands with Munir on the matter "reflects the government's seriousness in tackling the rapid population growth". However, he did not elaborate on the measures being considered or any specific suggestions made by Munir. "The government is treating this issue with the highest priority and important policy decisions are being taken at every level," the health minister was quoted as saying. He added that the finance and planning ministers are also members of the committee. According to Dawn, the government could also revise the formula for allocating federal revenue to provinces. At present, revenue is distributed largely on the basis of population, a system that effectively gives provinces an incentive to maintain higher population numbers. Also Read: Iran's Supreme Leader vows to 'avenge the blood' of his slain predecessor and father 'soon' From diplomacy to the economy Even before adding this new responsibility to his portfolio, Munir had increasingly emerged as Islamabad's top diplomat, making multiple high-profile visits to China, the United States and countries in the Middle East. Munir led Pakistan's mediation efforts during the recent US-Iran conflict, juggling diplomacy between Tehran and Washington before Islamabad hosted high-level talks on April 11 and 12, which were attended by US Vice President JD Vance, just days after an initial ceasefire on April 7. In June 2023, months after taking over as army chief, Munir established the Special Investment Facilitation Council. The body acts as a powerful clearinghouse designed to bypass Pakistan's bureaucratic red tape and gives the military direct decision-making powers in sectors including agriculture, mining, information technology, energy and defence production. Munir's powers expand after Operation Sindoor Following India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan elevated Munir to the rank of Field Marshal despite suffering heavy losses during the 72-hour conflict. Islamabad further expanded its authority through the 27th Constitutional Amendment passed in November 2025, creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces and placing the navy and air force under his command in addition to the army. The Pakistan Army Act was also amended to extend the tenure of the army chief from three years to five years. Munir, who was originally due to retire in 2027, can now remain in office until 2030. After completing his tenure, he will retain the rank of Field Marshal and enjoy legal immunity for life.

Pakistan's all-powerful Army chief has been appointed to a government committee tasked with recommending policy reforms to tackle the country's rapid population growth, adding population control to his expanding portfolio beyond defence, diplomacy and the economy.

After diplomacy and economy, Asim Munir has new role in Pakistan: Population control

Pakistan is set to become the third-most populous nation by 2050 despite its fertility rate having been slashed to almost half in 30 years.
According to the United Nations World Fertility Report 2024, Pakistan&rsquo;s fertility rate has significantly declined over the past three decades, dropping from six live births per woman in 1994 to 3.6 in 2024.
In spite of this downward trend, the country is still on track to become the third most populous nation by 2050, overtaking the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, and Russia. Pakistan&rsquo;s population, which stood at 31 million when it gained independence in 1947, had risen to 241 million by the 2023 census.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-pms-aide-alleged-imran-khans-letter-to-coas-chief-aimed-at-creating-rift-between-army-and-public-8688850">Imran Khan's letter to COAS chief aimed at creating rift between Army and public, Pakistani PM's aide alleges</a>
<h2>Pakistan&rsquo;s population will exceed 380 million by 2050: UN projection</h2>
The UN projects that Pakistan&rsquo;s population will exceed 380 million by 2050. Meanwhile, the fertility rate is expected to decline further, reaching 2.5 by 2054.
The report also pointed out that Pakistan, along with Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will contribute to 43 per cent of the world&rsquo;s births in 2024.
&ldquo;Three other country examples &hellip; had fertility levels still above six live births per woman in 1994, declining by 2024 to 3.6 in Pakistan, 3.9 in Ethiopia and 4.4 in Nigeria,&rdquo; the report said. It also forecasts a continued decline in fertility rates globally, although countries like Pakistan will maintain levels above replacement rates.
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"Reducing growth in the numbers of live births in the future would allow governments and families to allocate resources more efficiently to invest in children and adolescent health and well-being," the report said.
Additionally, the UN has called for measures such as ending child marriages, improving access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, and enhancing maternal care for young mothers. "Governments should also strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect the rights of girls and women," the report added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-population-declined-by-6-in-2024-israel-faced-slower-population-growth-report-8585645">Gaza population declined by 6% in 2024, Israel faced slower population growth: Report</a>
Pakistan has been trying to address population growth with family planning initiatives, distribution of contraceptives, and education campaigns in rural areas.
The government has also collaborated with international organisations like the UN Population Fund to support these efforts but the progress is little because of cultural and religious challenges, along with gender inequality and restricted access to education.
(With inputs from agencies)

South Asia, Pakistan: According to the United Nations World Fertility Report 2024, Pakistan’s fertility rate has significantly declined over the past three decades.

Pakistan is set to become the third-most populous nation by 2050 despite its fertility rate having been slashed to almost half in 30 years. According to the United Nations World Fertility Report 2024, Pakistan’s fertility rate has significantly declined over the past three decades, dropping from six live births per woman in 1994 to 3.6 in 2024. In spite of this downward trend, the country is still on track to become the third most populous nation by 2050, overtaking the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, and Russia. Pakistan’s population, which stood at 31 million when it gained independence in 1947, had risen to 241 million by the 2023 census. Also read: Imran Khan's letter to COAS chief aimed at creating rift between Army and public, Pakistani PM's aide alleges Pakistan’s population will exceed 380 million by 2050: UN projection The UN projects that Pakistan’s population will exceed 380 million by 2050. Meanwhile, the fertility rate is expected to decline further, reaching 2.5 by 2054. The report also pointed out that Pakistan, along with Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will contribute to 43 per cent of the world’s births in 2024. “Three other country examples … had fertility levels still above six live births per woman in 1994, declining by 2024 to 3.6 in Pakistan, 3.9 in Ethiopia and 4.4 in Nigeria,” the report said. It also forecasts a continued decline in fertility rates globally, although countries like Pakistan will maintain levels above replacement rates. Also read: Trump signs executive order to create US sovereign wealth fund, says it may 'buy' TikTok "Reducing growth in the numbers of live births in the future would allow governments and families to allocate resources more efficiently to invest in children and adolescent health and well-being," the report said. Additionally, the UN has called for measures such as ending child marriages, improving access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, and enhancing maternal care for young mothers. "Governments should also strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect the rights of girls and women," the report added. Also read: Gaza population declined by 6% in 2024, Israel faced slower population growth: Report Pakistan has been trying to address population growth with family planning initiatives, distribution of contraceptives, and education campaigns in rural areas. The government has also collaborated with international organisations like the UN Population Fund to support these efforts but the progress is little because of cultural and religious challenges, along with gender inequality and restricted access to education. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan to become world’s third-most populous nation, overtaking US, Russia by 2050 despite fertility drop

Three men who have fathered nearly 100 children among them are doing their bit for Pakistan&#39;s skyrocketing population, which is being counted for the first time in 19 years.&nbsp;

But in a country where experts warn the surging populace is gouging into hard-won economic gains and social services, the three patriarchs are unconcerned. Allah, they say, will provide.

Pakistan has the highest birth rate in South Asia at around three children per woman, according to the World Bank and government figures, and the census is expected to show that growth remains high.

&quot;God has created the entire universe and all human beings, so why should I stop the natural process of a baby&#39;s birth?&quot; asks Gulzar Khan, a father of 36, citing one of the strongest influences in the region: the belief that Islam prevents family planning. &nbsp;

Tribal enmity is another factor in the north-west, where the 57-year-old lives in the city of Bannu with his third wife, who is pregnant.

&quot;We wanted to be stronger,&quot; the 57-year-old tells AFP, surrounded by 23 of his offspring -- so many, he observes, they don&#39;t need friends to play a full cricket match.&nbsp;

Polygamy is legal but rare in Pakistan, and families like Khan&#39;s are not the norm, though the beliefs he holds are widespread.

The last census, held in 1998, showed Pakistan had a population of up to 135 million. Estimates suggest the new census -- carried out earlier this year, with the preliminary results due by the end of July -- will put the figure closer to 200 million.&nbsp;

The economy is expanding faster than it has in a decade, and last month Islamabad hiked its development budget by 40 percent.&nbsp;

But observers have warned the population boom is negating any progress, using up valuable resources in a young country where jobs are scarce and nearly 60 million people live below the poverty line.&nbsp;

&quot;It definitely is a problem because it is affecting health outcomes adversely and also eating into development gains,&quot; says Zeba A. Sathar, country director for the UN population council.&nbsp;

Sathar predicted the census would show growth has slowed due to lower fertility rates, though she added it would remain among the highest rates in the region.

&quot;There has to be a clear enunciation of need to slow growth as a positive policy lever,&quot; she said. &quot;And then next a good, effective health system that provides information and services of quality.&quot;&nbsp;

&#39;God will provide&#39;

Khan&#39;s brother, Mastan Khan Wazir -- one of his 15 siblings -- also has three wives. So far, Wazir has only fathered 22 children but, like his brother, he says his grandchildren are too numerous to count.&nbsp;

The 70-year-old, with his bushy moustaches and bejewelled fingers, is a minor celebrity in North Waziristan tribal district, where his blinged out jeep -- done in the style of Pakistan&#39;s famous &quot;jingle trucks&quot;, with Pashto music pouring from the stereo -- is a familiar sight.&nbsp;

&quot;God has promised that he will provide food and resources but people have weak faith,&quot; he tells AFP, wearing a traditional Waziristani turban.&nbsp;

In the southwestern city of Quetta in Balochistan province, Jan Mohammed -- the father of 38 children -- agrees, despite having previously called on the government to provide resources for his family.

Jan spoke with AFP in 2016 to voice his desire for a fourth wife as he continues his mission of having 100 children. No woman has yet agreed, he says, but he has not given up.&nbsp;

&quot;The more Muslims grow, the more their enemies will fear them... Muslims should go for more and more children,&quot; he said.

Empowering women&nbsp;

Denied their husbands&#39; permission to speak, none of the three men&#39;s wives could give their views on family planning in Islam.

But there is already &quot;abundant&quot; awareness in Pakistan about the need for birth spacing, or allowing a woman&#39;s body to rest for at least 18 months between pregnancies, Sathar said.

&quot;The need is for clear information about the methods available, how they work, their possible side effects and where to get them. That is missing,&quot; she added.

Giving women more of a choice in the matter could help, argues Aisha Sarwari, a feminist activist who has previously written on population and women&#39;s rights.

&quot;Access to birth control for women can be a game changer,&quot; she told AFP. &quot;Ultimately the impact is that there are more resources to go around ... Empowered women have fewer children, and this creates a mindset that leads to prosperity within families that is likely to be emulated across communities.&quot;

Khan, at least, admitted there could be some benefits to slowing down.

For one thing, tribal enmity in the north-west has decreased in recent years, he said. &quot;Now, with the grace of God, the situation has changed -- war and fighting is finished -- so, now, a decrease in the population would not be bad.&quot;

It would also free him up for other leisure activities, he says, adding wistfully: &quot;If one had fewer children, one would have more time to make love with his wives.&quot;

(AFP)

Experts warn the surging populace is gouging into hard-won economic gains and social services

Three men who have fathered nearly 100 children among them are doing their bit for Pakistan's skyrocketing population, which is being counted for the first time in 19 years. But in a country where experts warn the surging populace is gouging into hard-won economic gains and social services, the three patriarchs are unconcerned. Allah, they say, will provide. Pakistan has the highest birth rate in South Asia at around three children per woman, according to the World Bank and government figures, and the census is expected to show that growth remains high. "God has created the entire universe and all human beings, so why should I stop the natural process of a baby's birth?" asks Gulzar Khan, a father of 36, citing one of the strongest influences in the region: the belief that Islam prevents family planning. Tribal enmity is another factor in the north-west, where the 57-year-old lives in the city of Bannu with his third wife, who is pregnant. "We wanted to be stronger," the 57-year-old tells AFP, surrounded by 23 of his offspring -- so many, he observes, they don't need friends to play a full cricket match. Polygamy is legal but rare in Pakistan, and families like Khan's are not the norm, though the beliefs he holds are widespread. The last census, held in 1998, showed Pakistan had a population of up to 135 million. Estimates suggest the new census -- carried out earlier this year, with the preliminary results due by the end of July -- will put the figure closer to 200 million. The economy is expanding faster than it has in a decade, and last month Islamabad hiked its development budget by 40 percent. But observers have warned the population boom is negating any progress, using up valuable resources in a young country where jobs are scarce and nearly 60 million people live below the poverty line. "It definitely is a problem because it is affecting health outcomes adversely and also eating into development gains," says Zeba A. Sathar, country director for the UN population council. Sathar predicted the census would show growth has slowed due to lower fertility rates, though she added it would remain among the highest rates in the region. "There has to be a clear enunciation of need to slow growth as a positive policy lever," she said. "And then next a good, effective health system that provides information and services of quality." 'God will provide' Khan's brother, Mastan Khan Wazir -- one of his 15 siblings -- also has three wives. So far, Wazir has only fathered 22 children but, like his brother, he says his grandchildren are too numerous to count. The 70-year-old, with his bushy moustaches and bejewelled fingers, is a minor celebrity in North Waziristan tribal district, where his blinged out jeep -- done in the style of Pakistan's famous "jingle trucks", with Pashto music pouring from the stereo -- is a familiar sight. "God has promised that he will provide food and resources but people have weak faith," he tells AFP, wearing a traditional Waziristani turban. In the southwestern city of Quetta in Balochistan province, Jan Mohammed -- the father of 38 children -- agrees, despite having previously called on the government to provide resources for his family. Jan spoke with AFP in 2016 to voice his desire for a fourth wife as he continues his mission of having 100 children. No woman has yet agreed, he says, but he has not given up. "The more Muslims grow, the more their enemies will fear them... Muslims should go for more and more children," he said. Empowering women Denied their husbands' permission to speak, none of the three men's wives could give their views on family planning in Islam. But there is already "abundant" awareness in Pakistan about the need for birth spacing, or allowing a woman's body to rest for at least 18 months between pregnancies, Sathar said. "The need is for clear information about the methods available, how they work, their possible side effects and where to get them. That is missing," she added. Giving women more of a choice in the matter could help, argues Aisha Sarwari, a feminist activist who has previously written on population and women's rights. "Access to birth control for women can be a game changer," she told AFP. "Ultimately the impact is that there are more resources to go around ... Empowered women have fewer children, and this creates a mindset that leads to prosperity within families that is likely to be emulated across communities." Khan, at least, admitted there could be some benefits to slowing down. For one thing, tribal enmity in the north-west has decreased in recent years, he said. "Now, with the grace of God, the situation has changed -- war and fighting is finished -- so, now, a decrease in the population would not be bad." It would also free him up for other leisure activities, he says, adding wistfully: "If one had fewer children, one would have more time to make love with his wives." (AFP)

Three men, 96 children: Pakistan's population boom threatens economic gains

Records of as many as 70 million Pakistanis are not available with the government, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue was informed on Wednesday, according to local media reports.&nbsp; 
 
According to a report published in the Dawn newspaper, chief statistician Asif Bajwa, while briefing the senate panel, said: &quot;Out of Pakistan&rsquo;s population of 196 million, data of 70 million people is missing and record is not available with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and National Database and Registration Authority.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Complete information could be gained only by performing a census, Bajwa further said, as per local media.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Our department is fully prepared to hold census in the country, however, the army is not ready to provide the required number of personnel,&rdquo; &nbsp;the Dawn quoted Bajwa as saying.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;We have no plan to conduct population census without assistance of Pak Army,&rdquo; &nbsp;he added. 
 
Bajwa further informed the committee that 166,000 workers are required to conduct the census, excluding armed forces personnel. 
 
(WION)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Asif Bajwa said that information can only be got by conducting a census

Records of as many as 70 million Pakistanis are not available with the government, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue was informed on Wednesday, according to local media reports. According to a report published in the Dawn newspaper, chief statistician Asif Bajwa, while briefing the senate panel, said: "Out of Pakistan’s population of 196 million, data of 70 million people is missing and record is not available with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and National Database and Registration Authority." Complete information could be gained only by performing a census, Bajwa further said, as per local media. “Our department is fully prepared to hold census in the country, however, the army is not ready to provide the required number of personnel,” the Dawn quoted Bajwa as saying. “We have no plan to conduct population census without assistance of Pak Army,” he added. Bajwa further informed the committee that 166,000 workers are required to conduct the census, excluding armed forces personnel. (WION)

Pak govt has no record of 70 million citizens: Chief statistician