Pakistan’s population programme began in 1953; the first official population policy was introduced in the mid-sixties. The programme has been characterised by the demographic objectives of reducing the population and fertility growth rates. Initially it solely addressed women and failed in reaching its objectives. The programme received a major setback during the military government of General Zia-ul-Haq (1977-1988) when thousands of family planning workers were retrenched. Population welfare came back on the agenda but with limited resources following the introduction of structural adjustment programmes in the mid-eighties. ICPD marked a turning point in the country’s approach to population, moving it from the narrow family planning framework to one more integrated with health and reproductive health. This report monitors progress on the ICPD commitments, and has been steered by Shirkat Gah, (Women’s Resource Centre, literally, a place of participation) with the involvement of the Pakistan Reproductive Health Network (PRHN) within the framework of the ARROW developed guidelines and framework. The desk review of literature, policies, programmes and interviews was carried out by a small team of researchers, and feedback and additional information was obtained from PRHN members.
