When In Doubt, Call The Army? Pakistan Ropes In Asim Munir To Tackle Population Boom | Exclusive

Last Updated:July 10, 2026, 12:57 IST

The move has drawn criticism from Pakistan's opposition, who argue that it reflects the government's inability to address a civilian policy challenge through civilian institutions

Pakistan’s government has brought Field Marshal Asim Munir into a high-level committee tasked with addressing the country’s rapidly growing population, a move that has triggered political criticism and renewed debate over the military’s expanding role in civilian affairs.

The decision was taken during the joint meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights on July 9. The committee is expected to formulate recommendations on slowing Pakistan’s population growth and improving coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

According to details emerging from the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level committee that includes Field Marshal Asim Munir alongside the finance and planning ministers.

Pakistan has grappled with high population growth for years. The country records nearly 6.7 million births annually and is currently the world’s fifth-most populous nation. According to demographic projections, it could overtake Indonesia to become the fourth-most populous country by 2030.

Officials and lawmakers discussed a range of measures during the meeting, including improving access to family planning services and contraceptives. The government has already granted tax exemptions on contraceptives in an effort to encourage their use. Officials also noted that effective family planning could reduce annual population growth by as many as 1.5 million people.

Another issue raised was the formula under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, under which about 82 per cent of resource distribution among provinces is linked to population. Several participants argued that the existing formula unintentionally incentivises provinces to maintain higher population growth. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal proposed reducing the population weightage to 50 per cent.

The meeting also highlighted the governance challenges created after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, under which population welfare became largely a provincial subject, making coordination between Islamabad and the provinces more complex. The committee called for greater political consensus, engagement with religious scholars and possible legislation to address the issue.

The inclusion of the army chief in the committee has, however, drawn criticism from sections of Pakistan’s opposition, who argue that it reflects the government’s inability to address a civilian policy challenge through civilian institutions.

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Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

News world When In Doubt, Call The Army? Pakistan Ropes In Asim Munir To Tackle Population Boom | Exclusive

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