By Sardar Khan NiaziFew issues generate as much debate in developing countries as population growth. When accompanied by investments in education, healthcare and skills training, population growth can produce what economists call a “demographic dividend” — a period when the working-age population outnumbers dependents, boosting economic output. However, population growth can just as easily become pernicious. The global experience suggests that population growth is neither inherently beneficial nor inherently harmful. Population growth, then, is not destiny.

Source: The Patriot February 21, 2026 22:45 UTC