Maulana Aslam Saqi incorporates positive family planning messaging into his sermons.
Despite being one of Punjab’s most populous and rapidly growing cities, Faisalabad still grapples with limited access to voluntary family planning (FP) services – especially in underserved urban communities. To address this, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in Pakistan has partnered with local governments to implement high-impact interventions to help increase demand for and access to quality family planning services.
A key component of TCI’s approach is engaging trusted community voices – including religious leaders – to expand awareness and shift social norms. TCI-trained coaches help build the capacity of a local network of Advocates by equipping them with knowledge and tools to promote family planning in their communities.
Maulana Aslam Saqi, a respected imam in Faisalabad, is one such advocate. After attending a TCI-supported advocacy seminar, he began incorporating family planning messages into his Friday sermons and other community platforms, including facility-based Family Health Days and satellite health camps. His efforts marked a significant cultural shift, demonstrating how faith-based leadership can help normalize conversations around birth spacing and maternal health.
Dr Tayyaba Bashir is a gynecologist and TCI-trained family planning champion.
Maulana Aslam’s commitment became personal when his own daughter became pregnant. Remembering what he had learned about the importance of antenatal care, he took her to a clinic supported by TCI, where Dr. Tayyaba Bshir – a trained family planning provider – diagnosed her with severe anemia. After stabilizing her condition, Dr. Tayyaba recommended an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) following delivery to avoid the risks of a closely spaced pregnancy.
Maulana Aslam agreed and personally counseled both his daughter and son-in-law. The couple accepted the IUCD, underscoring his belief in leading by example.
Dr. Tayyaba reflected on the moment:
Maulana Aslam’s decision to adopt a family planning method himself and to counsel his own daughter is a rare and inspiring example in our society. It is truly commendable that he not only supported her but also personally brought her for essential antenatal checkups, leading to her adoption of a long-acting contraceptive method. We frequently share this powerful story during our seminars and while addressing medical students. It is a remarkable example of mindset transformation, deserving recognition on prominent platforms.”
Maulana Aslam Saqi attends a family planning public awareness event in recognition of World Contraception Day
At the next TCI seminar in Faisalabad, Maulana Aslam shared his story publicly:
Family health comes first – and real leadership begins by setting an example.”
His honesty and leadership is helping break taboos, encouraging others to consider how family planning can protect and uplift families. Maulana Aslam’s story stands as a testament to the impact of advocacy and grassroots leadership – and how cultural and religious voices can champion healthier, more informed communities.
