Islamabad(The COW News Digital)Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a coordinated national response to Pakistan’s growing population challenges, urging government institutions, religious scholars, civil society, and other stakeholders to treat the issue as a matter of urgent national importance.
In a message issued on the occasion of World Population Day, the prime minister said responsible population planning and effective governance are essential for building a prosperous and welfare-oriented society. He emphasized that balancing population growth with available resources is critical to ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, employment, housing, and other public services.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that addressing population-related issues requires collective efforts from all segments of society. He appealed to the federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, development partners, universities, the private sector, religious scholars, media organizations, and local communities to play an active role in raising awareness and promoting responsible decision-making.
The prime minister noted that this year’s World Population Day theme, “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World,” highlights the importance of investing in youth and creating opportunities for future generations. He said young people remain central to Pakistan’s long-term economic and social development.
Pakistan is currently the world’s fifth-most populous country, with more than 65 percent of its population under the age of 30. While describing the country’s youthful demographic as a valuable national asset, the prime minister acknowledged that the annual population growth rate of approximately 2.55 percent presents significant challenges for economic planning, job creation, education, healthcare, food security, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.
Shehbaz Sharif said sustained investment in human capital is essential to fully harness the potential of the country’s young population. He added that a comprehensive national strategy is required to place human development at the center of Pakistan’s future growth.
The prime minister also highlighted the establishment of the National Council on Population under the federal government. He said the council will strengthen coordination between federal and provincial authorities, provide policy guidance, and ensure timely implementation of national population initiatives in line with the country’s development priorities.
He added that the council will focus on integrating population issues into the national development agenda while promoting women’s empowerment, human resource development, evidence-based policymaking, and long-term socio-economic progress.
Shehbaz Sharif also referred to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and other government initiatives aimed at equipping young Pakistanis with the skills and opportunities needed to become productive and responsible citizens.
Concluding his message, the prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and equal rights, particularly for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. He urged all sectors of society to contribute towards informed family planning, responsible parenting, gender equality, and sustainable national development.
