Lawmakers, experts call for greater focus on human development and climate resilience

ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers and policy experts on Sunday called for Pakistan to give greater priority to human development, social protection and climate resilience in order to secure durable economic stability and sustainable growth.

The call came during a discussion on the federal budget for 2026-27, convened by MNA Shaista Pervaiz to allow parliamentarians and financial experts to examine the budget through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants included members from both the treasury and opposition benches.

Those attending the consultation said fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stabilisation remained important policy goals, but argued that long-term economic progress would not be possible without sufficient spending on education, healthcare and climate adaptation.

While fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stabilisation remain important policy objectives, sustainable economic progress cannot be achieved without adequate investment in education, healthcare and climate adaptation

Budget priorities and population pressures

Participants said Pakistan, which they described as the world’s fifth most populous country, was projected to have a population of nearly 400 million by 2050. They warned that without matching investment in human capital, public services and economic opportunities, this growth could place exceptional strain on schools, health systems, housing, jobs and natural resources.

The lawmakers said Pakistan’s obligations under the SDGs should be reflected in budget priorities and resource allocation. They specifically referred to SDG 3 on health and well-being, SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 10 on reduced inequalities and SDG 13 on climate action, saying each required sustained public financing for meaningful progress.

The forum observed that the link between rapid population growth and pressure on public service delivery was already evident across the country. Participants pointed to overcrowded classrooms, overstretched healthcare facilities, inadequate housing, water insecurity and limited employment opportunities as continuing barriers to development, and said these issues required strategic and targeted investment rather than short-term spending approaches.

Focus on education, health and climate adaptation

Speakers also emphasised the importance of girls’ education, maternal and reproductive health, and community-level service delivery. They said such measures were among the most effective and internationally recognised tools for improving development outcomes, expanding workforce participation, reducing poverty and supporting demographic stabilisation.

Climate resilience was highlighted as another area needing stronger policy attention. Participants said Pakistan remained among the countries most exposed to climate-related shocks despite contributing little to global emissions. They said that as climate-related disasters increasingly affected livelihoods, agriculture, infrastructure and public health, investment in adaptation, disaster preparedness, water management and resilient infrastructure should become a central part of development planning.

The discussion also stressed that spending on education, health and climate resilience should not be seen as being at odds with fiscal discipline. Participants said international experience showed that countries making consistent investments in human development tended to achieve stronger economic performance, greater social stability and more sustainable fiscal outcomes over time.

The consultation concluded with broad agreement that the federal budget should be viewed not only as a financial document but also as a statement of national priorities and future direction. Participants said aligning budget decisions with Pakistan’s demographic realities, development requirements and SDG commitments was essential for inclusive growth, reducing inequality and improving quality of life for current and future generations.