Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for recognising Pakistan’s rapidly expanding populace and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to “responsible” population planning for an equitable and prosperous future.
The premier’s message on World Population Day focused on Pakistan’s annual population growth rate of 2.55 per cent. He urged all stakeholders to recognise the urgency of the population rise as a national issue.
The figure has sparked a national conversation about the demographic growth placing pressure on the country’s economy, health and other vital systems. The government recently formed a high-level committee, including the army chief as a member, to tackle the issue.
In his message on World Population Day on Saturday, PM Shehbaz urged all stakeholders — including the federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, religious scholars, the media and local communities — to fulfil their shared responsibility by promoting informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable development.
“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.
