Zuha Siddiqui, a journalist based in Karachi, is designing her new home to accommodate her parents and herself, as she plans for her future in Pakistan’s largest city. Despite celebrating her 30th birthday and working remotely for various publications, she has made the decision not to have children due to financial concerns and uncertainties about the future of the economy in Pakistan.
As birth rates decline across South Asia, young people like Siddiqui and her friends are opting out of parenthood, citing economic instability, job shortages, and rising living costs as key factors. The societal expectation for women to take on more parenting responsibilities than men further complicates the decision-making process.
In addition to financial reasons, concerns about climate change and environmental degradation are also driving some South Asians, like Mehreen, to reconsider having children. The fear of bringing a child into an uncertain and increasingly polluted world is a common sentiment among those who are opting out of parenthood.
Researchers and experts warn that South Asia is bearing the brunt of climate change with poor air quality and environmental damage affecting human health and development. These factors, along with fears of isolation and the burden of caring for elderly parents, are contributing to the growing trend of young people in the region choosing not to have children.
Ultimately, the decision to forego parenthood is a deeply personal one for individuals like Siddiqui and Mehreen, who weigh societal expectations, financial constraints, and environmental concerns when contemplating their futures in a rapidly changing world.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
