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 smallpopulation can fare better. Belgium, for instance, is way too small in terms of area and population than Pakistan, but the size of its economy is almost double the size of our economy at $578 billion.

However, if we do want to capitalise on Pakistan`s growing population, we need to find new resources and ensure that everyone gets food, shelter, employment, education and skill-based training.

Unfortunately, the current reality is that allournaturalresources,like gas,energy and groundwater, are depleting, and an exponentially growing population is, therefore, more of a curse than a blessing.

Iftikhar Hussain Islamabad