ISAS Insights

Some data from the April-May 2017 census in Pakistan have become available and the picture they paint is very troubling because of the high rate of the population growth. Some commentators have questioned the accuracy of the numbers in the census. In this paper, the authors maintain that this not helpful. Instead, Islamabad’s policy makers – and also those in the provinces – should treat the information that has been released seriously and begin to devise policies and programmes that would address the demographic problems the country faces at this time. The authors’ main conclusion is that, at this delicate moment in Pakistan’s history, serious attention should be given to the country’s demographic situation. The authors also propose carrying out follow-up studies as more data become available on various demographic challenges facing Pakistan.