Over 2.5 million abortions taking place in Pakistan annually: report

Pakistan reports more than 2.5 million abortion cases annually, according to sources in the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives.

The alarming figure highlighted the country's pressing need for effective population control measures and improved access to family planning resources.

In this regard, the federal government has set targets to curb population growth under its 5-year plan, aiming to reduce the annual population growth rate by 1.1% till 2030.

The current population growth rate stands at 2.55%, as per the last census in 2023.

The ministry aims to reduce the total birth rate from 3.32% in 2024 to 2.2% by 2030.

The government's efforts came as Pakistan's population reached 241.49 million according to the 2023 census.

Sources within the planning ministry said that the adoption rate of deliberate contraceptive methods was 39.36 percent in the fiscal year 2024, and the target has been set to increase this rate to 60 percent by 2030.

The Prime Minister has approved the Ministry of Planning's plan in a recent meeting of the National Economic Council.

The government aims to address population growth and ensure a more sustainable future for the country, sources added.