Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday emphasized the need for informed decision-making and responsible parenthood to tackle Pakistan’s population-related challenges, according to the Pakistani information ministry. The statement was issued on World Population Day, an annual global event observed on July 11 to raise awareness about urgent population and development issues, including reproductive health, gender equality, poverty, and human rights.
Pakistan’s Demographic Profile
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country globally, with over 65 percent of its population under the age of 30. This youthful demographic represents a significant national asset and a powerful driver of economic and social progress. However, an annual population growth rate of 2.55 percent poses substantial challenges for economic planning, employment generation, education, healthcare, housing, food security, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development.
Call for Equal Access and Sustainable Development
“Every citizen, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or background, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society, deserves equal access to essential services and due consideration in future planning,” PM Sharif stated. He urged all stakeholders to promote equality and sustainable development. The government has recently established a National Population Council to formulate a comprehensive and effective national strategy on population and development. This high-level forum will ensure policy coordination between federal and provincial governments, strengthen institutional collaboration, and provide strategic policy guidance for the implementation of the National Population Programme. It will also facilitate timely and effective decision-making aligned with national priorities.
President Zardari’s Emphasis on Youth and Women
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari called for greater investment in young people, women, and children to transform Pakistan’s demographic potential into sustainable national development, as reported by Pakistani state media on Saturday. “Pakistan’s large youth population presents a unique opportunity for progress if provided with quality education, healthcare, skills, and employment,” President Zardari was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan. “Empowering women is key to building stronger families and communities.”
