Artworks by student participants showcase their understanding and interpretation of family planning in the region.
Under the leadership of the Punjab Government, the Department of Health and Population in Faisalabad, in close collaboration with The Challenge Initiative (TCI), organized a unique and impactful painting competition aimed at engaging university students on the critical issue of family planning and population growth in Pakistan. This initiative was part of a broader awareness campaign designed to sensitize young minds about the alarming rise in population and its direct impact on national resources, health services, and sustainable development.
The event commenced with a comprehensive orientation session for participating students. During this session, experts presented an overview of Pakistan’s current family planning landscape and highlighted key challenges, including the country’s low contraceptive prevalence rate, limited access to quality reproductive health services, and the growing strain on essential resources caused by unchecked population growth. Students were informed that if current trends continued, Pakistan’s ability to provide basic services such as healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and access to clean water would be severely compromised.
High-level officials in Lahore attend an exhibition to view the displayed artwork.
In a creative and thought-provoking response, students from National Textile University, Government College University, Women University, and Faisalabad University illustrated their understanding and reflections through powerful artwork. Their paintings vividly captured the importance of family planning, women’s empowerment, and responsible parenthood, demonstrating how artistic expression can serve as a compelling medium for social advocacy and behavior change communication.
The artworks were later displayed in an exhibition held as part of the main event, which was attended by several high-level dignitaries, government officials, and decision-makers. Saman Rai, Director General of Health & Population in Punjab, expressed her admiration and enthusiasm, stating:
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this idea in action. Every painting delivers a unified message on family planning – whether it is birth spacing, breastfeeding, or limiting the number of children based on a family’s income and the mother’s health.”
She further directed that selected artworks be displayed in the Minister’s Office in Lahore. The initiative stood out for its originality and effectiveness, drawing praise from ministers and senior officials who commended the innovative approach of engaging youth through art. They emphasized that such creative platforms are essential for fostering a generation of informed and responsible future leaders who are aware of the long-term implications of population dynamics and are equipped to advocate for sustainable development goals.
