Religious scholars endorse birth spacing

LAHORE BUREAU —Religious scholars from different schools of thought have endorsed healthy birth spacing (waqfa) as an effective way to protect maternal and child health, declaring it consistent with Islamic teachings and the principles of responsible parenthood. The endorsement came at a high-level consultative dialogue organised by the Population Council in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), bringing together religious scholars, health experts and policymakers to discuss family welfare, maternal health and responsible parenthood.

Participants signed a joint declaration recognising birth spacing as a beneficial health intervention and pledged to promote awareness through mosques, educational institutions and community networks across the country. Speaking at the event, Population Council Pakistan Country Director Dr Ali Mohammad Mir said Pakistan faced serious maternal health challenges, with a mother dying every 37 minutes.

He said protecting women's health and dignity and ensuring children's well-being were collective social and moral responsibilities, adding that religious leaders could play a transformative role in guiding families towards informed decisions. Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman and khateeb of Lahore's Badshahi Mosque Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad said protecting mothers and children was fully aligned with Islamic teachings.

He urged religious scholars to take the message to mosques, households and communities across the country.