Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has declared that family planning is a necessity, not an option. Speaking at the launch of a three-year cholera prevention program in Islamabad, he emphasized that religious scholars have given clear guidance: spacing between births is essential. He warned that growing population pressure is worsening health issues across Pakistan.
The minister revealed that around 11,000 women die every year during childbirth due to complications. He added that childbirth is not a disease, but women often die because of poor maternal healthcare and lack of awareness. Kamal said these deaths are tragic and preventable, urging both government and society to take urgent action.
He stressed that Pakistan’s health system must focus on prevention rather than just treatment. “We can’t build enough hospitals to keep up with rising diseases,” he warned. Simple steps like providing clean drinking water can cut hospital patient loads by 68%, according to Kamal. He urged all stakeholders to take shared responsibility instead of only blaming the government.
The health minister noted that Islam supports birth spacing if a mother’s life or a child’s well-being is at risk. Scholars agree that spacing between pregnancies can help families raise children in a healthier and more stable way. Kamal called this religious approval a major step forward for public awareness.
Finally, he said Pakistan must learn from neighboring countries that have reduced maternal deaths through strong family health systems. “Why are we still letting thousands of women die every year?” he asked. The event also featured the launch of a major vaccine program to protect children from deadly diseases, including cancer, under Pakistan’s ongoing health reforms.