ISLAMABAD: The government’s top advisor on interfaith harmony has made the startling assertion that people living below the poverty line should think twice before having more children, and men who can provide for their children should think of having more.

Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Special Representative of the Prime Minister for Interfaith Harmony and on Middle East, said this while speak to APP on Sunday.

If a man is living below the poverty line, he should avoid making further additions to his family, Ashrafi argued. If a man can afford all the basic amenities for his children, he may plan to have more babies in his life, he added.

He said that striking a balance in population growth could help reduce social inequalities which have held the country back.

In the Shariah, there was no room for plenty of babies until you have enough resources to ensure their proper upbringing in society.

He said Islam had given clear-cut directions on better health, quality education and state-of-the-art training of children. Having children is purely a health matter which is why Pakistanis should consult medical specialists if they want to have more babies instead of religious scholars.

He said it was need of the hour to follow family planning methodology, keeping in view the health complications of mother and child.

Ashrafi, who is also the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, said a Vitamin D deficiency is common in Pakistani women, as medical reports have suggested. A Vitamin-D deficiency was a key determinant of maternal and neonatal health.

Ashrafi said that there was no doubt that Islam had permitted four wives at the same time but on the basis of social equality and justice.

Regarding a marriageable age, he said besides puberty, maturity was also an essential part of matrimonial life as women had to deal with multiple family affairs and if they were not mature enough, how could they manage in the best possible way?

He thanked the Ministry of National Health, Services, Regulation and Coordination in changing the slogan pertaining to ‘two kids’ as it had created a conflict between the ministry and religious scholars.

The new slogan of ‘population balance’ had bridged the gap between the two important segments of the society, he added.