The world is almost ready to celebrate World Population Day on July 11, when the global population is approaching seven billion and is expected to reach nearly ten billion by 2050. However, before we begin blaming ourselves for the rapid increase in population, we must ask an important question: is overpopulation truly a present reality, or is it a condition shaped by the way we perceive and manage resources? For example, if we look at the Malthusian theory of population, it suggests that population grows at a faster rate than resources, which can lead to overpopulation. However, if we view the same issue through a Marxist lens, the problem lies not in the size of the population but in the unequal distribution of resources. According to this perspective, inequality leads to poverty and other economic issues, making it appear as though certain regions are overpopulated. In fact, if resources were distributed equitably, the notion of overpopulation would largely disappear.
Moreover, many scholars and researchers argue that the world has sufficient resources to sustain humanity; what it lacks is the ability to manage human greed. In this context, we can observe that in several parts of the world, such as Canada, Switzerland, and even the United States, population growth has declined. These countries are now facing shortages of young people who can contribute to the workforce. This is largely the result of better health facilities, as the elderly are living longer lives and the birth rate has decreased. The same is the case all over the globe, but among the advanced nations of the world, this has created an imbalance of population as well as workforce. This suggests that while some regions experience population pressure, others face population decline, creating a form of global imbalance. The argument, therefore, is not that population should not be controlled; rather, it should be properly managed and planned, not coerced. Effective family planning must be the starting point, supported by comprehensive policies and incentives. Families with fewer children should be provided with greater benefits, encouraging responsible planning. This would help people understand that controlling family size leads not only to a better quality of life but also to a more productive future generation. Unplanned growth, like an untended forest, leads to disorder rather than the harmony of a well-designed garden.
Instead of allowing unchecked migration to already overcrowded cities, new cities and economic opportunities should be developed to distribute the population more evenly.
In addition, empowering women is crucial. When women are educated, employed, and financially independent, they are more likely to make informed decisions about family size and child-rearing. This results in healthier, better-educated, and more future-oriented children, rather than large families with limited resources. A healthy, educated and independent female is not only aware of the risks and dangers involved in a large and overcrowded family, but also understands her responsibilities in the growth of her family. We must also challenge social norms that prioritise the birth of a male child over a female. Such attitudes often lead families to continue having children in the hope of having a son, resulting in larger families and increased financial strain. This gender bias must be eliminated. Every child, regardless of gender, deserves equal value, care, and opportunities. Discrimination in this regard not only burdens families but also perpetuates social inequality.
In rural areas, particularly those dependent on agriculture, the problem is further aggravated. Often, large families work on farms where modern technology could replace the labour of many individuals. In such cases, what appears to be employment is disguised unemployment, which contributes to poverty. In many cases, it has been observed that even women are employed in the same family business and receive little wages and consequently, in fact, contribute nothing to the income of the family. Therefore, modernisation of agriculture, through improved techniques, irrigation, and harvesting, is essential to enhance productivity and support the population effectively.
Furthermore, we must invest in infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and roads, to meet the needs of a growing population. What often appears as overpopulation is, in reality, the result of poor planning and uneven distribution. Congestion on roads, long queues in hospitals, and overcrowded public spaces are not merely signs of too many people, but indicators of inadequate management. Therefore, population planning must go hand in hand with resource planning. Urban planning is equally important. Instead of allowing unchecked migration to already overcrowded cities, new cities and economic opportunities should be developed to distribute the population more evenly.
If the government, citizens, and socio-political institutions work together with commitment and foresight, meaningful change is possible. There must be a vigorous campaign of awareness launched at all levels, especially in the rural and less developed areas, so that everyone understands the future of their family, rather than caring for the established norms about the family. A well-managed population, supported by equitable resource distribution and effective planning, can ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for the people of Pakistan. The issue is not simply controlling population growth; it is about managing it wisely and sustainably.
The writer is a professor of English at Government Emerson University, Multan. He can be reached at zeadogar@ hotmail.com and Tweets @Profzee