World Contraception Day- September 26, 2026

This World Contraception Day, the message is simple: everyone deserves accurate information and voluntary access to the contraceptive method of their choice, free from stigma and misinformation.

In Pakistan, millions still face barriers to that choice. With a fertility rate of 3.6 births per woman, a population of 241.5 million, and 17% of married women having an unmet need for family planning, the need for action is clear.

Access and affordability go hand in hand. Despite Pakistan having domestic contraceptive manufacturing capacity, they very often are out of affordability for economically vulnerable households. Ensuring affordable and uninterrupted access therefore requires reliable supplies, stronger local production and policies that keep contraceptives affordable.

The recent removal of taxes on contraceptives by the Government of Pakistan is an important step toward making family-planning commodities more affordable and accessible. We welcome this decision and hope it remains in place as a consistent, long-term policy, protected from future policy changes, so that no tax is imposed on contraceptives again and cost does not become a barrier to informed choice.

Family planning is not about limiting births. It is about Tawazun: balance — between family size and wellbeing, population growth and investment in health, education and jobs, and today’s choices and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Removing demand side barriers and addressing the social norms means ensuring accessible and affordable services, informed choice, stronger primary healthcare, reliable supplies, and sustained communication to counter myths and support birth spacing (Waqfa).

Every informed choice is a step toward a healthier, more balanced Pakistan.