Pakistan taps army chief Asim Munir for population control as govt elevates demographic crisis

The move has generated widespread discussion on social media, where users have reacted with a mix of humour, criticism and curiosity following reports that the military chief will play a role in shaping population control policies.

Govt elevates population control as national priority

Speaking during a joint meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services and the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights on June 9, Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir had convened a meeting to discuss measures aimed at slowing Pakistan's population growth, Dawn reported.

"The government is treating this issue with the highest priority and important policy decisions are being taken at every level," Kamal was quoted as saying by Dawn.

The minister added that Pakistan's finance and planning ministers are also members of the committee overseeing the initiative.

According to the report, representatives of the Council of Islamic Ideology also attended the discussions and expressed support for urgent measures to address the country's rising population.

A representative of the council reportedly said there was no sectarian disagreement over efforts to curb rapid population growth.

Health Minister highlights contraception gap

Pakistan records approximately 6.7 million births every year, according to the health minister.

Kamal said limited access to contraception remains one of the primary reasons behind the country's high birth rate.

The minister estimated that expanding family planning services could reduce annual population growth by around 1.5 million people.

The government is also examining additional policy measures to strengthen population management efforts.

Revenue-sharing formula comes under scrutiny

During the Senate committee meeting, discussions also focused on Pakistan's National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, which determines how federal revenues are distributed among the provinces.

According to Dawn, nearly 82 percent of the current allocation formula is based on population, meaning provinces with larger populations receive a greater share of federal funds.

Kamal argued that the existing system unintentionally discourages provinces from successfully implementing family planning programmes because slower population growth could eventually reduce their share of federal resources.

He proposed revising the formula so that only 50 percent of allocations depend on population, with the remainder linked to factors such as poverty levels, development needs and revenue generation.

However, the report noted that implementing such changes could prove difficult following Pakistan's 18th Constitutional Amendment, which transferred population welfare responsibilities to provincial governments.

As a result, the federal government has limited authority to legislate on matters that fall under provincial jurisdiction.

Social media reacts to Munir's expanded role

The announcement prompted a wave of reactions on Pakistani social media platforms.

Several users questioned the growing involvement of the military leadership in civilian policymaking, while others responded with satire.

Pakistan faces growing demographic pressure

Pakistan is currently the world's fifth-most populous country, with an estimated population exceeding 259 million.

Government officials have described rapid population growth as a major policy challenge, citing its implications for healthcare, education, employment and economic planning.

According to Dawn, the federal government has elevated population control to a national priority and is considering policy changes aimed at slowing demographic growth while working within Pakistan's constitutional framework governing federal and provincial responsibilities.