RAWALPINDI, Feb 19 (APP):The Population Welfare Department Rawalpindi organized a special consultative session for journalists and columnists to address emerging demographic challenges in the region, under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) scheme titled Chief Minister Population Management and Family Planning Programme.
Held on the directions of District Population Welfare Officer Shireen Sukhan, the session aimed to bridge the gap between government initiatives and public perception.
Participants were urged to play a proactive role in promoting sustainable family development and reproductive health, moving beyond conventional news reporting towards informed advocacy.
Officials said the Chief Minister’s programme is designed not merely to reduce statistical growth rates but to improve citizens’ quality of life.
The initiative prioritizes ensuring access to reproductive health services in rural areas and informal settlements, integrating maternal and child healthcare with family planning services, and addressing misconceptions through community engagement and media advocacy.
Opening the session, District Population Welfare Officer (DPWO) Shireen Sukhan highlighted key demographic indicators of Rawalpindi district, noting that the current population growth rate is placing severe pressure on infrastructure, education and healthcare systems. She stressed that while resources remain limited, unchecked population growth continues to strain public services, adding that the media has the power to transform family planning from a “private matter” into a “national priority”.
Deputy District Welfare Officer (Population Welfare), Tehsil Rawalpindi, Rana Azhar Mahmood, outlined administrative measures taken under the scheme, including uninterrupted supply of contraceptives and counselling services across all tehsils to ensure families can make informed choices.
Medical Officers Dr Asma Tariq and Dr Anam Mushtaq discussed the health risks associated with short birth intervals. Dr Asma Tariq highlighted the direct link between repeated pregnancies and maternal mortality, particularly among undernourished and marginalized communities, describing family planning as a life-saving intervention for women.
Dr Anam Mushtaq emphasized an integrated approach in which health and population welfare departments work in coordination, stating that a healthy family forms the foundation of a healthy nation and that family planning is essential for achieving sustainable development goals.
The session also featured Deputy Director Welfare Officer from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ayaz Abbasi, who shared successful community-based models from his province, including mobilization of community leaders and religious scholars in support of population welfare objectives.
He said inter-provincial collaboration can help build a unified national response to rapid population growth.