Pakistan population growth undermines living standards
The 6th Population & Housing Census in Pakistan was held from March 15th to May 24th, 2017. According to the census reports, Pakistan population is now 20.8 Crore. It has swallowed by 57% since 1998 and 146.6% since 1981. The rising population has huge impact on housing and living standards. Let’s discuss how Pakistan population growth undermines living standards.
Housing condition in rural areas
As per census approximately 63.6% people are living in rural areas of Pakistan. Approximately 50 million people have no toilets in their homes. Majority of houses in rural areas are made of mud with weak structures which are prone to hazards. Most villages in Pakistan have no access to natural gas as they use wood fire for cooking.
Declining living standards in cities
As per census approximately 36.4% people are living in urban areas of Pakistan. The population of our cities is fast increasing, but living standards are declining. The families who once lived in large houses are now living in small houses. We can see slum dwellings in every city of Pakistan where life is hell as there is no proper ventilation or natural light.
Housing shortage in Pakistan
The astonishing figure is that approximately 60% houses in Pakistan have passed their useable life and should be replaced by modern houses. We are currently building 2.5-3 LAC houses per year, but we need one million houses annually. The total housing shortage in Pakistan now stands at 10 million units and its fast increasing.
Causes of housing problems in Pakistan
First cause of housing problems is the unchecked population growth which is eating up our limited resources. Second cause is the high property price. High property prices are due to the fast inflation rise and huge influx of black money in reality sector which has artificially increased the property prices. Third cause is the lack of affordable housing initiatives by the government.
Solutions
Housing problems in Pakistan can only be solved by the government initiatives. Firstly government needs to control the fast population growth. Secondly the government should start the affordable housing projects by building affordable houses in every part of Pakistan. Thirdly government should start housing benefits for the people who cannot afford rents.