Population and Poverty Nexus in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan has one of the highest population growth rates in the world. Rapid population growth is the bone of contention as well as the crux of the problems. 80 million people live below the poverty line. Macroeconomic instability, rising absolute and relative poverty and worsening income inequalities are the direct as well as indirect result of the high population growth. Population pressures are threatening land, forests and water resources. Improvement in operation and implementation of the family planning programme, increase in female literacy rate and enhancement of women social status can help reduce population growth and poverty. The demographic window argument is far-fetched and irrelevant to Pakistan. A redistribution of agriculture land through radical changes in land tenure coupled with corresponding changes in rural institutions that direct production are expected to help reduce poverty significantly and also improve socio-economic scene in the rural areas. A sound population policy coupled with political motivation can take care of rapid population growth and poverty.

Population growth and human resource utilization nexus in Nigeria

“…High population growth has become an important limiting factor for achieving the overall development goals. Afzal and Awais (2014) findings can be seen to imply the same as those of Klasen and Lawson (2007).…”

“…Examining the long-run benefits of population growth, the study by Simon (2019) found similar results with those of Afzal and Awais (2014) and Klasen and Lawson (2007) in the short run. Simon (2019) observed that an increase in population in the short run places a negative impact on the standard of living as a result of diminishing returns and the transient responsibility it places upon society.…”

“…In a different economy, Afzal and Awais (2014) examined the relationship between population growth and employment rate in Pakistan. Using a simple model expressing the relationship between population growth and employment rate, the result found out that the numeric value signifying population is negative and not zero which tells that increase in population, unfavourably affects employment rate.…”

Macroeconomic Determinants of Urbanization in Pakistan

“…Age structure (X4) is still another factor that is instrumental in increasing urban population. Afzal and Awais (2014) have reported that rural-urban composition has changed over the years. Fall in rural population and rise in urban population not only shows increase in population but also rising trend of migration to urban centers.…”

“…The results, conclusions and policy recommendation are difficult to be applied to Pakistan because socio-economic-political, geographical, demographic, law and order conditions differ significantly in Pakistan. Studies, have also been done in Pakistan (Shahbaz et al, 2010;Farah et al, 2012;Ahmad et al, 2013;Afzal and Awais, 2014). These studies have added valuable input to the urbanization issue in Pakistan.…”