Determinants of population growth: empirical evidence from Pakistan (1960-2017)

The importance of population studies in Pakistan has been recognized since very ancient times. While population growth issues rarely grab the headlines in the media, it is imperative to note that Pakistan continues to be a victim of population growth. Employing the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation criterion, the study seeks to uncover the determinants of population growth in Pakistan over the period 1960 – 2017. Diagnostic tests were carried out in order to verify the statistical appropriateness of the estimated model. Amongst other findings, the study revealed that a 1% increase in contraceptive prevalence rate will lead to approximately 3.53% decrease in population growth in Pakistan. The study, whose policy recommendations are four – fold, strongly; encourages the government to put measures as to reduce population growth in Pakistan.