Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on all stakeholders, including federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, religious scholars, media, and local communities, to recognize population growth as a national emergency. He emphasized shared responsibility in promoting informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable development.
World Population Day Message
In his message on World Population Day, the prime minister stated that the occasion provides a vital opportunity to highlight population issues globally. This year's theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People, Today and for the Future,” underscores the crucial role of young people in shaping a prosperous future. He stressed that creating an enabling environment for the younger generation is a collective responsibility.
“Today, Pakistan joins the international community in observing World Population Day and reaffirms its commitment to responsible population planning as a cornerstone of sustainable development and national prosperity,” PM Shehbaz wrote on social media.
Demographic Challenges and Opportunities
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country globally and has a significant youth population. More than 65% of the population is under 30, which the prime minister described as a tremendous national asset and a powerful driver of economic and social progress. However, an annual population growth rate of 2.55% poses serious challenges for economic planning, employment, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
According to a report released in May, Pakistan's population could reach 390 million in the next 25 years, a 62% increase. Even with contraceptive use, the population is projected to exceed 383 million by 2050, according to the Population Projections report 2023-50 by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
National Population Council Established
To harness the demographic dividend, the prime minister highlighted the recent establishment of the National Population Council. This high-level forum will ensure policy coordination between federal and provincial governments, strengthen institutional collaboration, and provide strategic guidance for the National Population Programme. It will also integrate population issues into the national development agenda, promote women's empowerment, advance human resource development, and formulate evidence-based policies.
“Furthermore, the Council will duly accord priority to integrating population-related issues into the national development agenda, promoting women’s empowerment, advancing human resource development, and formulating evidence-based policies that support long-term social and economic prosperity,” he said.
Government Initiatives and Priorities
The government is implementing the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and other national initiatives to develop capable, responsible, and empowered citizens. The prime minister emphasized that every citizen, especially the most vulnerable, deserves equal access to essential services. Education, healthcare, economic inclusion, and equal opportunities for women and girls remain top priorities.
“Insha’Allah! Through collective resolve and coordinated action, we can create an environment in which every citizen enjoys equal opportunities to lead a healthy, dignified, and productive life,” PM Shehbaz assured. He concluded, “Together, we can transform Pakistan’s demographic potential into enduring national strength and secure a stable, prosperous, developed, and resilient future for present and future generations.”
