PIP: Pakistan has a current population of 123 million which is projected to grow to 150 million by the year 2000. Concern for population policy, however, has existed in the context of development in Pakistan since the first 5-year Plan of 1955-1960. The family planning program in Pakistan was then included in the second 5-year plan of 1960-65 and has since been a large program. Family planning efforts and population policy are described for Pakistan from the first 5-year plan through 1993. Review reveals that political support and strategies have changed frequently and have adversely affected the family planning program. Funds allocated for the program increased from one plan period to another, but the program has failed to make an impact commensurate with its size and expenditure. Major factors have been the inadequate coverage of population and lack of a systematic approach. Suffering setbacks in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the program did, however, regain momentum through stronger leadership at the political and administrative levels. Efforts are currently being made to improve the coverage and implementation of the Population Welfare Program along with others in the social sector to get the desired annual population growth rate of 2.5% by the year 2000.