WASHINGT ON: Pakistan could become the world’s third most populous country behind China and India by the middle of the new century, according to Population Action International, a birth control advocacy group.
With 140 million people, Pakistan is the world’s seventh most populous country. If its annual population growth rate of 2, 9 % remains unchecked, it would pass Brazil and Russia to reach fifth place by 2020 and overtake the United States and Indonesia by 2050 with 531 million people. Islam does not allow contraception. Also being married to more than one wife is acceptable according to religious dictates, as a result population in Islamic countries specifically in African continent, is expanding at a much faster rate.
Article extracted from this publication >>May 1, 1996
