Rawalpindi: To address the demographic challenges faced by the region, the Population Welfare Department Rawalpindi organized a special consultative session for journalists and columnists. The event was held under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) scheme titled “Chief Minister Population Management and Family Planning Program,” aimed at bridging the gap between government initiatives and public awareness.
During the session, strong emphasis was placed on the media’s key role in driving social change. Journalists were encouraged not to limit themselves to reporting news only, but to become active partners in advocating sustainable family development and reproductive health.
Chief Minister Program for Strategic Objectives
The central focus of the session was a special initiative designed to improve population management. Officials clarified that the program’s goal is not merely to reduce numbers, but to enhance the quality of life for every citizen. Key priorities of the initiative include:
Ensuring access to reproductive health facilities in rural areas and informal settlements.
Integrating maternal and child healthcare with family planning services.
Eliminating misconceptions through community engagement and media advocacy.
District Population Welfare Officer (DPWO) Rawalpindi, Shireen Sukhan, opened the session by presenting statistical facts about Rawalpindi district. She stressed that the current population growth rate is placing severe pressure on infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems.
She stated, “Our resources are limited, but population growth is uncontrolled. The media has the power to transform this issue from a ‘private matter’ into a ‘national priority.’ Through your writing, we can reach people who still hold misconceptions about family planning.”
Deputy Director and Welfare Officer Population Welfare Tehsil Rawalpindi, Rana Azhar Mahmood, spoke from an administrative perspective and highlighted logistical improvements under the current scheme. He explained that the department is ensuring uninterrupted supply of contraceptives and counseling services across all tehsils so that no family is deprived of the right to make informed choices.
Health and Well-Being
Following the policy discussion, medical experts addressed clinical concerns.
Women Medical Officers (WMOs) Dr. Asma Tariq and Dr. Anam Mushtaq discussed the health impacts of unplanned pregnancies and insufficient birth spacing.
Dr. Asma Tariq highlighted the direct link between maternal mortality and repeated pregnancies, explaining that family planning is a life-saving intervention for women, particularly in underprivileged communities where malnutrition is common.
Dr. Anam Mushtaq spoke about an “Integrated Approach,” in which health and population welfare departments work together. She emphasized that a healthy family forms the foundation of a healthy nation, and that family planning is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Inter-Provincial Collaboration and Learning from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
An important feature of the event was an address by Deputy Director Welfare Officer Ayaz Abbasi from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, symbolizing inter-provincial cooperation. He shared successful models from his province, explaining how community leaders and religious scholars were mobilized to support departmental objectives.
He remarked, “The challenges of Rawalpindi are not different from those of Peshawar or Swat. By sharing experiences beyond provincial boundaries, we can build a united national front against the population explosion.”
