FOR decades, the world has linked rising population with pressure on resources. It is argued that food supplies will come under extreme strain if population growth is not controlled. As efforts to control population growth have borne fruit, many developed countries now have very low or even negative rates. Even India’s fertility rate has fallen below replacement level, although its population is still growing. Meanwhile, advances in medical science have increased life expectancy, leaving many countries with ageing populations.

Pakistan’s population, however, is growing rapidly. The 2023 census recorded 241.49 million people and an annual growth rate of 2.55 per cent, while current estimates place the population at around 259m. Is this a boon or a bane? Although many consider it a burden, Pakistan can become the world’s human-resource backbone by exporting skilled, technical talent through planning. During its first six decades, Pakistan had an opportunity to become one of the world’s food baskets. It had land, water, four seasons and skilled and unskilled labour, but inconsistent policies, interprovincial bickering and poor focus on value addition meant it missed the boat.

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