Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has warned that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population is placing severe strain on the country’s healthcare system, noting that the annual population increase exceeds the total population of New Zealand. Speaking at a university event in Karachi, he cautioned that failure to secure sufficient vaccines and boost local vaccine production could lead to serious public health challenges during emergencies, as heavy reliance on imports leaves the country vulnerable. The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s persistently high maternal and child mortality rates, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas, adding that overcrowded and understaffed hospitals are struggling to provide timely medical care to an expanding population.