In a landmark move, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in Pakistan has advocated for birth spacing as a critical measure to enhance the health of mothers and children, aligning Islamic principles with modern health strategies. The declaration was made during a high-level meeting with the Population Council, focused on tackling maternal and child health challenges, population growth, and resource equity.

The Population Council presented stark data, highlighting Pakistan’s alarming maternal mortality rate—the highest among Islamic nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia—with 11,000 women dying annually from pregnancy and childbirth complications. The child health crisis is equally dire: 62 out of every 1,000 children die before their first birthday, 40% of children under five are stunted, 18% suffer from malnutrition, 29% are underweight, and one in three children is out of school. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective family planning.

The CII emphasized that birth spacing, supported by Islamic teachings, promotes healthier outcomes for families. Scholars were encouraged to raise awareness about the Quranic recommendation of breastfeeding for two years and the benefits of spacing pregnancies, which allows mothers to recover physically and emotionally while fostering better child development. A Population Council spokesperson noted, “Birth spacing reduces maternal and infant mortality while supporting children’s growth and well-being.”

The council reaffirmed that these measures align with Islamic values and urged religious and community leaders to educate the public nationwide. The meeting concluded with a unified pledge to champion reproductive health, education, and equitable resource distribution to secure a healthier future for Pakistani families. This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing systemic health challenges through a blend of faith-based guidance and scientific insight.