Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Pakistan's Growth Hindered by High Maternal Mortality, Gender Inequality
Pakistan is facing big problems that are slowing down its growth.
Many women are not getting the healthcare they need, and there are a lot of inequalities between men and women.
This means that women are not able to work as much or go to school as often.
The government is trying to fix these issues, but it's not easy.
They need to make sure that women have access to family planning, can stay in school, and can participate in the economy.
If they don't, it will be hard for Pakistan to grow and develop.
Pakistan's maternal mortality remains alarmingly high, with millions of women lacking access to family planning services.
Persistent early marriages and widespread gender-based violence influence fertility patterns and female labor participation.
Weak health systems and limited access to services in climate-exposed districts deepen vulnerability and reinforce inequalities.
Pakistan's population exceeds 255 million, ranking it as the fifth most populous country in the world.
The National Finance Commission award, based on population size, offers little incentive to improve health, education, or gender equality.
- Who
- Pakistan's government, policymakers, and citizens
- What
- High maternal mortality, gender inequality, and weak governance are hindering Pakistan's growth
- When
- The situation is ongoing, with recent reports highlighting the issues
- Where
- Pakistan, particularly in climate-exposed districts
- Why
- Factors include limited access to family planning, early marriages, gender-based violence, and weak health systems
- Population
- 255 million
- Maternal Mortality
- High
- Gender Gap
- Significant in labour market and economic opportunities
- Female Labour Participation
- Low
- Education
- Girls often leave school early
- Governance
- Weak delivery and accountability
- National Finance Commission Award
- Based on population size, not outcomes