Instability in Pakistan: Demographic Factors
Nov. 01, 2007
Demographic factors are contributing to unrest in Pakistan, particularly the “youth bulge.” Pakistan, the world’s sixth largest country, has a population of 165 million that is projected to grow to 228 million by 2025. Presently, there are nearly 60 million Pakistanis under age 15. Because of the poor state of public education in Pakistan, a growing number of these young people are being educated in madrassas, religious schools, many of which are run by radical Islamic factions. There are 54 million young people between the ages of 10 and 24, accounting for just over a third of the population of Pakistan, many of whom are unemployed and living in areas of growing unrest. At the same time, public health problems, including a lack of treatment for non-communicable diseases, are breeding dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s government. Ethnic divisions are also contributing to public unrest and challenging the ability of Pakistan’s army to fight insurgents and keep order. Responding to Congressional concerns regarding the growing violence and instability in Pakistan, the Population Resource Center held briefings for Members of Congress and their staffs on November 1, 2007.
121 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC
Thursday, November 1, 2007
WELCOME: Robert J. Walker, President, Population Resource Center
PANELISTS:
“Demography and Security in Pakistan”
Brian Nichiporuk, Security Expert at the RAND Corporation
“Pakistan’s Health Status: Past, Current and Future”
Fariyal Fikree, Technical Director of Health Communication at Population Reference Bureau
Don Belt, Senior Editor/International Correspondent, National Geographic magazine
PANNEL DISCUSSION:
The briefings brought together three outstanding speakers to discuss these concerns. Brian Nichiporuk, a security expert at the RAND Corporation talked about the demography of Pakistan and how the “youth bulge” may be contributing to the growing instability. Fariyal Fikree, a public health physician and health expert at the Population Reference Bureau, gave an overview of how Pakistan is struggling to meet the health care needs of its population. Don Belt, the author of “Struggle for the Soul of Pakistan,” a recent National Geographic cover story about instability in Pakistan, talked about the growing fault line between moderate and militant Islam.
[A fact sheet on Pakistan and related briefing materials will be available soon on this Website].