Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on all stakeholders to recognize the urgency of population growth as a national issue and to fulfill their shared responsibility by encouraging informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable development. In his message on World Population Day, observed under the global theme "Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future," the prime minister emphasized that the day offers a crucial opportunity to highlight the significance of population issues worldwide.
Youth as a National Asset
Shehbaz Sharif noted that this year's theme underscores the pivotal role of young people in shaping a prosperous future. He stated 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," the prime minister said.
He highlighted that responsible and prudent population planning forms the foundation of a welfare-oriented society, ensuring equitable access to public services and contributing to the well-being and prosperity of all citizens. "Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world and ranks among the countries with a significant youth population. More than 65% of our population is under the age of 30; this no doubt represents a tremendous national asset and a powerful driver of economic and social progress," PM Shehbaz added.
Challenges of Rapid Growth
However, the prime minister cautioned that an annual population growth rate of 2.55% presents significant challenges for economic planning, employment generation, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. To fully harness the demographic potential of the youth and realize the benefits of the demographic dividend, sustained investment in national resources and a comprehensive strategy are indispensable. He stressed that human development and nurturing people's capabilities must remain at the heart of the national development agenda.
National Population Council Established
Shehbaz Sharif announced that the federal government has recently established the 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 implementing the National Population Programme. It will also facilitate timely and effective decision-making aligned with national priorities. "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 for Youth
To develop capable, responsible, and empowered citizens, the government is also implementing the Prime Minister's Youth Programme and several other important national initiatives. The prime minister emphasized that 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. Education, healthcare, economic inclusion, and equal opportunities for women and girls remain among the government's foremost priorities.
President Zardari's Call for Collective Action
In his separate message on World Population Day, President Asif Ali Zardari urged all stakeholders—including government institutions, parliamentarians, academia, civil society organizations, development partners, religious leaders, the media, and communities—to work together in promoting the health, well-being, and empowerment of the masses. The president highlighted that by placing women, children, and young people at the center of national development efforts, the country could create a future that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
Youth as Demographic Dividend
President Zardari joined the international community in reflecting on evolving population trends and reaffirming the nation's collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can live with dignity, health, and opportunity. "Pakistan is blessed with a young and vibrant population. More than sixty-five per cent of our citizens are under the age of thirty, presenting a unique opportunity for national progress. If provided with quality education, healthcare, skills, and employment opportunities, our youth can become a powerful demographic dividend, driving economic growth, innovation, and social development. Investing in young people today is an investment in Pakistan's future," he said.
Focus on Women and Children
The president underscored the critical importance of improving the health and well-being of women and children. "Maternal health, child survival, nutrition, education, and access to essential healthcare services remain fundamental pillars of sustainable development," he said, adding that a society cannot prosper when mothers face preventable risks during pregnancy and childbirth, when children suffer from malnutrition, or when girls are denied opportunities to learn and thrive. President Zardari also recalled the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who championed women's rights, dignity, and empowerment. He noted that her emphasis on women's empowerment, education, and reproductive health in national development continues to inspire these efforts today.
Interconnection of Population and Development
The president added that population and development are deeply interconnected, as progress in education, healthcare, gender equality, poverty reduction, and economic opportunity strengthens families and communities, contributing to a more prosperous and resilient society. He concluded, "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. Together, we can transform Pakistan's demographic potential into enduring national strength and secure a stable, prosperous, developed, and resilient future for both our present and future generations."
