05-03-2013, 02:53 PM
Essay on Over Population in Pakistan
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ABSTRACT
In this essay paper I will introduce the concept of overpopulation and its definition in the literalsense. Then I will discuss its effects on the Pakistani economy and its impact on the agriculturalsector. This will be followed by an analysis of overpopulation being source of other social evils.Then overpopulation will be discussed in the international scenario followed by a brief analysisof the causes of overpopulation. That will be followed by the efforts required at the individual land collective spheres. Finally the future course of action would be discussed with somerecommendations and a brief conclusion.
Introduction
Population explosion is a global problem. It is equally true of Pakistan. Everyday we comeacross the oft-repeated phrase, ³Population Bomb is ticking´. A state based on Islamic ideologyshould be an ideal state. Since its inception Pakistan had to face the problems of illiteracy, poverty, pollution, unemployment, lawlessness & terrorism, inflation, loans, corruption,defective tax structure, government instability and many more chronic problems. Unless weachieve a control on population, these related problems will not be easily solved.
Pakistan and Overpopulation
At the time of partition, the area, which today comprises Pakistan, had a population of 33million. The following table shows population of Pakistan at different times since its inception.
Definition
Literally speaking, overpopulation arises when the resources in a country fell short of meetingthe needs of its people. A number of factors could lead to the emergence of overpopulation.Birth rate is the most common indicator that the countries today use to keep a check on population. Pakistan today suffers from a high birth rate in the country. But the birth rate was high even in the past and still overpopulation was nowhere to be seen. What factors today havetranslated the high birth rate into overpopulation? The advancements in the medical field haveled to a sharp decline in the death rate. The life expectancy has increased due to the use of imported health technologies. So, a decline in death rate has in other words led to the problem of overpopulation. Pakistan is a developing country and as many others like it is trying hard tosurvive in the capitalist world. A huge population of around fifteen crores that could have beenan asset to the country is today a huge liability. Fast increasing population is thus a source of constant danger for Pakistan.
Impact of Economy
Overpopulation has badly hampered the economic growth in the country. High population isresponsible for a decline in the per capita income. This leads to a decline in the purchasing power of the people. As the demand for goods decreases then by ‘Demand & Supply´ law, theinvestment in the country will also suffer. Such a stagnant economy will lead to closing of factories and businesses and in return add to joblessness and poverty. Even if the countrysomehow is successful in attracting foreign investment, still overpopulation will not allow theseinvestments to have a positive effect on the country’s economy. Greater population means morenumber of hungry souls to feed. With the number of productive earning members in a familysmall compared to unproductive members, there is felt a drag on limited income of poor families.This is the problem of ³Dependency ratio´ which is acutely felt in poor countries.For years, social services in the country have suffered even after sincere efforts by successivegovernments. The fact remains that more schools, hospitals, and parks are of little comfort if the population keeps on increasing at an alarming rate.
Impact on Agricultural Sector
Agriculture is another sector, which has been adversely affected by the rapid increase of population. About 70% of Pakistan’s population is employed in the agricultural sector.Overpopulation is even having an adverse effect on agricultural outcome. More populationmeans smaller farms, and that leads to a decline in productivity. Availability of cultivable land in1990 was 0.17 hector per person and the estimated availability of cultivable land by the year 2025 will be 0.07 hector per person. The same would happen with the forests and also with theavailability of fresh water.People having smaller farms have no other choice but to migrate in hope for a better life. Thisleads to urbanization, which itself is a major social problem.
Overpopulation Causing other Social Evils
Over population has contributed towards an increase in a number of social evils. Lawlessness,crime and corruption are all the result of population explosion. The fight over resources hasdivided the society into two groups i.e. those who have all and are not willing to share it and thesecond group that is fighting for its mere survival. This fight between haves and have-nots hasthe inherent seeds of conflict in it, which if erupted could imperil the peace and order in thesociety. Overpopulation in cities has also contributed to toxic pollution. A greater number of vehicles on the roads mean the availability of large quantities of poisonous gas for people toinhale. Sewage problems and lack of clean drinking water can also be attributed to the population problem.