Population and population policy in Pakistan.

Abstract

Pakistan is a divided country with different religious groups represented. Since independence in 1941 the Muslim population has increased more rapidly than the Hindu population the West Pakistan population more rapidly and steadily than the East Pakistan population. In the late 1950s the Pakistan government initiated a family planning program. The program has trained medical and paramedical personnel in family planning added family planning services to existing medical centers planned for a National Research Institute of Family Planning employed mobile units to reach outlying areas conducted limited clinical studies on some contraceptives and used mass media advertising. Only India and Japan are doing more with government-sponsored family planning. A weak organizational structure and an inadequate number of trained personnel are the main weakness of the program. It is too early to assess the success of the program. A 10-point reduction in annual birth rates will be considered successful.