These Three Pakistani Men Are Fathers To 96 Children

Pakistan: Three men who have fathered nearly 100 children among them are doing their bit for Pakistan's skyrocketing population, which is being counted for the first time in 19 years.

But in a country where experts warn the surging populace is gouging into hard-won economic gains and social services, the three patriarchs are unconcerned. Allah, they say, will provide. "God has created the entire universe and all human beings, so why should I stop the natural process of a baby's birth?" asks Gulzar Khan, a father of 36, citing one of the strongest influences in the region: the belief that Islam prevents family planning.

Tribal enmity is another factor in the northwest, where the 57-year-old lives in the city of Bannu with his third wife, who is pregnant. "We wanted to be stronger," the 57-year-old said, surrounded by 23 of his offspring.

Khan's brother, Mastan Khan Wazir, one of his 15 siblings also has three wives. So far, Wazir has only fathered 22 children but, like his brother, he says his grandchildren are too numerous to count.

The 70-year-old, with his bushy moustaches and bejewelled fingers, is a minor celebrity in North Waziristan tribal district, where his blinged out jeep - done in the style of Pakistan's famous "jingle trucks", with Pashto music pouring from the stereo - is a familiar sight. "God has promised that he will provide food and resources but people have weak faith," he said, wearing a traditional Waziristani turban.

In the southwestern city of Quetta in Balochistan province, Jan Mohammed, the father of 38 children agrees, despite having previously called on the government to provide resources for his family.

In 2016 Jan said that his desire for a fourth wife as he continues his mission of having 100 children. No woman has yet agreed, he says, but he has not given up.

"The more Muslims grow, the more their enemies will fear them, Muslims should go for more and more children," he said.