CII endorses birth spacing for maternal health
The endorsement came during a consultative meeting between the CII and the Population Council, where key issues relating to maternal and child health, as well as rapid population growth, were discussed. The Population Council sought the support of religious scholars to promote responsible family planning within Islamic guidelines.
During the session, the Council was presented with sobering statistics, including the alarming figure that approximately 11,000 women in Pakistan die each year due to complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth. The data underscored the urgent need for awareness and policy action to protect maternal and child health.
The situation for children is equally dire, according to the data. The infant mortality rate stands at a shocking 62 deaths before the age of one among 1,000 live births. Furthermore, malnutrition is rampant, with long-term consequences for the nation's youth.
The Population Council revealed that 18% of children are malnourished, and 29% are underweight. Additionally, 40% of children under the age of five suffer from stunting. These challenges are compounded by an education crisis, as every third child in Pakistan is currently out of school.
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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
CII on birth spacing
Listen to article Pakistan stands at a critical demographic and health crossroads. With one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world outside Africa, a population of almost 250 million, high food insecurity and limited water, there is an urgent need for population policy reforms that keep the living alive while reducing the pace of new additions. Birth spacing could be an important tool towards this goal. The practice is straightforward — deliberate intervals between pregnancies to allow a woman's body to recover. Pregnancies too close together deplete a mother's nutritional reserves, significantly increasing risks of anemia, hemorrhage, miscarriage, and even maternal death. Adequate spacing allows her body to recover, leading to healthier pregnancies and stronger babies. It also helps women post-pregnancy, as healthier mothers can do more for their children. Birth spacing can also lead to smaller families, as parents have the time to plan and decide how many children they can raise. A recent Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) ruling has also strengthened this argument. The CII has endorsed birth spacing for maternal health and family planning, saying Islam not only permits, but even encourages responsible family planning. This religious endorsement will go a long way in dispelling misconceptions about family planning, and could help cross cultural barriers to discuss related subjects, such as contraception. Whether or not the government can actually capitalise on the edict, however, is up for debate. Federal and provincial authorities have failed to get contraception awareness or availability up to acceptable levels due to cultural barriers, leading to nonsensical awareness campaigns and a lack of political will caused by elected officials' fear of offending religious voters. The CII has created an opportunity for the government to actually design and implement a comprehensive, modern policy, but it is still unknown who, if anyone, is willing to take the first step.
Express Tribune
25-07-2025
- Express Tribune
CII endorses birth spacing for maternal health
In a significant step toward addressing Pakistan's mounting public health challenges, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has endorsed birth spacing as essential for the health and well-being of both mothers and children. The endorsement came during a consultative meeting between the CII and the Population Council, where key issues relating to maternal and child health, as well as rapid population growth, were discussed. The Population Council sought the support of religious scholars to promote responsible family planning within Islamic guidelines. During the session, the Council was presented with sobering statistics, including the alarming figure that approximately 11,000 women in Pakistan die each year due to complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth. The data underscored the urgent need for awareness and policy action to protect maternal and child health. The situation for children is equally dire, according to the data. The infant mortality rate stands at a shocking 62 deaths before the age of one among 1,000 live births. Furthermore, malnutrition is rampant, with long-term consequences for the nation's youth. The Population Council revealed that 18% of children are malnourished, and 29% are underweight. Additionally, 40% of children under the age of five suffer from stunting. These challenges are compounded by an education crisis, as every third child in Pakistan is currently out of school.
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Business Recorder
100th cornea transplanted at FJMU
****LAHORE: The Ophthalmology Department of Fatima Jinnah Medical University celebrated a milestone with a ceremony marking the successful completion of 100 cornea transplants, showcasing their commitment to restoring vision and improving lives.**** The Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof Dr Khalid Masood Gondal graced the occasion as the chief guest. Principal Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College, Sialkot/ Former Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. Huma Kiani graced the event as Guest of Honour. On this occasion, Principal Prof. Abdul Hameed, Registrar Professor Muhammad Nadeem, Chairperson Department of Medicine Professor Bilquis Shabbir, Medical Superintendent Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Dr. Arif Iftikhar, faculty members, and a large number of postgraduate students were present on the occasion. Vice Chancellor FJMU Prof Dr Khalid Masood Gondal congratulated Prof. Huma Kiani and Dr. Najam Iqbal and the Department of Ophthalmology including and paid tribute to this outstanding achievement. He highlighted the significance of sight, referencing Islamic teachings and emphasizing the impact of their work in restoring vision and benefiting humanity. He emphasized that the corneal and retinal transplantation represents a significant milestone in ophthalmology. Prof. Huma Kayani highlighted that the cornea transplant program at Fatima Jinnah Medical University began about four years ago and has successfully completed 100 transplants. She credited the success to blessings of Allah Talla and admired the leadership of Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal, expressing her wish for the department's continued service to humanity under his guidance. Dr Fizza Rafique, an alumnus of Fatima Jinnah Medical University, and Dr. Fawad Zafar, an alumnus of King Edward Medical University, congratulated the Ophthalmology Department on achieving 100 successful cornea transplants, sending a congratulatory video message to celebrate this milestone. The participant appreciate FJMU Alumnai , Zafar and Mir foundation for this contribution. The ceremony concluded with Chief Guest Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal cutting the cake and presenting an honorary shield to commemorate the successful completion of 100 cornea transplants, recognizing the Ophthalmology Department's achievement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
