Pakistan, the world’s fifth-most populous country, faces significant challenges associated with its rapidly growing population. As of 2025, the country’s population exceeds 240 million and continues to rise at an alarming rate. This demographic pressure exacerbates existing issues related to health, pollution, poverty, and sustainability. In this context, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for mitigating these challenges and fostering sustainable development. However, achieving these goals requires comprehensive research, innovative strategies, and collaborative efforts.
The growing population in Pakistan strains its already fragile infrastructure, healthcare systems, and natural resources. The annual population growth rate of 2% outpaces economic growth, leading to increased demand for food, water, energy, and housing. This demographic pressure is particularly evident in urban areas, where overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean water and healthcare services have become the norm. Rural areas, too, struggle with poverty and resource scarcity, exacerbated by the country’s inability to meet the basic needs of its expanding population.
Pakistan’s healthcare sector faces significant challenges, many of which are linked to population growth. The country struggles to provide adequate medical services, especially in rural areas where healthcare facilities are often nonexistent or under-resourced. Preventable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and waterborne illnesses remain prevalent, while maternal and infant mortality rates are alarmingly high.
The United Nations’ SDG 3-“Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”-is particularly relevant to Pakistan. Achieving this goal requires addressing healthcare accessibility, improving maternal and child health, and combating infectious diseases. However, the country’s limited healthcare budget, coupled with population pressures, hinders progress toward these objectives.
Population growth directly contributes to environmental degradation and pollution in Pakistan. Urban areas suffer from severe air pollution due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels. Additionally, untreated industrial waste and inadequate sewage systems contaminate water resources, posing health risks to millions.
Deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources further exacerbate environmental challenges, undermining the country’s ability to achieve SDG 13-Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Addressing these issues requires implementing strict environmental regulations, promoting renewable energy, and investing in sustainable urban planning. Poverty remains a persistent challenge in Pakistan, with nearly 35% of the population living below the poverty line. Population growth intensifies poverty by increasing competition for limited resources and employment opportunities. Rural communities, in particular, are disproportionately affected, with limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This situation perpetuates a cycle of poverty that undermines efforts to achieve SDG 1-End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Sustainable development in Pakistan necessitates a multidisciplinary research approach to address the interlinked challenges of population growth, health, pollution, and poverty. Research can provide valuable insights into resource management, policy formulation, and the development of innovative solutions tailored to the country’s unique context. For instance, demographic studies can help identify trends and inform family planning initiatives, while environmental research can guide the adoption of clean technologies and renewable energy sources. Similarly, public health research can improve healthcare delivery systems, and socio-economic studies can address poverty and inequality by identifying effective poverty alleviation programs.
By: Adnan Hafiz
The author is Research Fellow in Eco-Health Research Group led by Prof Audil Rashid in the University of Gujrat, Pakistan
Author can be contacted at: adnan.hafiz@uog.edu.pk
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