Punjab Family Planning Program Launches ‘Behtar Qadam’ to Promote ‘Nayi Soch’

By Farzana Chaudhry — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Under the umbrella of the Punjab Family Planning Program (PFPP), the Health and Population Departments of Punjab have launched a new on-ground initiative titled “Behtar Qadam” to promote “Nayi Soch”—a new way of thinking about family planning—in Pakistan’s most populous province.

Launched in November, the initiative is being implemented in partnership with Rayn and Riz Consulting and aims to foster informed, responsible, and healthier family planning choices. Rather than enforcing decisions, Behtar Qadam positions itself as a supportive partner for families, engaging women and husbands, youth, extended families, community members, NGOs and community-based organisations, as well as religious scholars across all 41 districts of Punjab.

Rooted in shared values of responsibility, compassion, and thoughtful decision-making, Behtar Qadam encourages youth, married couples, and families to make informed choices for a more secure future. The initiative places particular emphasis on maternal, newborn, and child health, promoting healthy birth spacing and long-term wellbeing. By empowering communities to consider the social and economic benefits of planned families, the program contributes to greater stability at the household, community, and provincial levels.

“Behtar Qadam invites youth, families, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to understand their role in building a prosperous and healthy society—to take a better step together by learning, discussing, and planning responsibly,” said Dr. Zahida Sarwar, Project Lead of the Behtar Qadam Family Planning Advocacy Program under PFPP. “No one is being told not to have children. The message is simple: have them responsibly, with healthy spacing, using trusted services and facilities.”

The awareness drive gained significant momentum during the second half of November and the first half of December, with more than 90 on-ground events conducted across Punjab. In less than one month, the initiative reached over 8,000 individuals, primarily students from more than 67 educational institutions across 35 districts.

Key activities included six events each in Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan; five in Lahore; four events each in Lodhran, Vehari, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Taunsa, Sialkot, and Okara; three each in Wazirabad, Bahawalpur, Chiniot, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, and Murree; two events each in Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Jhang, Bahawalnagar, Khanewal, Sheikhupura, Toba Tek Singh, and Multan; and single events in Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Rajanpur, Attock, Rawalpindi, Layyah, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Talagang, Kasur, and Narowal.

Looking ahead, Behtar Qadam aims to conduct more than 1,293 on-ground engagements by June 2027. These will include activities at universities, Sehat Melas, community dialogues, family and couples’ sessions, youth forums, and briefings with religious leaders to further build awareness, address concerns, and promote informed and balanced decision-making on family planning and reproductive health.

About Punjab Family Planning Program (PFPP)
PFPP is the Government of Punjab’s flagship initiative aimed at improving family wellbeing through accessible information, respectful counseling, and quality health services. Working in collaboration with public and community partners, PFPP supports programs that strengthen maternal and child health, encourage responsible decision-making, and enhance household prosperity.

For information on local activities and services, citizens are encouraged to contact their nearest government health facility or connect with Behtar Qadam outreach teams operating across the province.