Curse or blessing?

PAKISTAN is the world's fifth most populous country, with almost 4.4 million people joining the nation every year. This huge population is taken by some as a sign of hope for rebuilding the future when actually it is a sign of worry, especially given the current state of the economy.

Economic and social indicators are turning from bad to worse with each passing day and we are unable to provide basic rights and utilities to the people. Without basic rights, like education, health, housing and jobs, the rapidly growing population is not an asset; it is a liability adding to our economic woes.

A growing population may be a source of pride or hope for some people, but statistics show that a country with a small population can fare better. Belgium, for instance, is way too small...