PM calls on stakeholders to recognize urgency of population rise, promote sustainable development

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has urged all stakeholders including the federal and provincial governments, members of parliament, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, religious scholars, the media, and local communities, to recognize the urgency of the population rise as a national issue and fulfill their shared responsibility by promoting informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable development.

The prime minister, in his message on the World Population Day, said that the day provides an important opportunity to highlight the significance of population issues at the global level.

He added that this year's theme, "Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People, Today and for the Future," underscores the pivotal role of young people in shaping a prosperous future. Creating an enabling environment for the younger generation is our 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.

Responsible and prudent population planning and management, he said form the foundation of a welfare-oriented society, adding that a population that remains commensurate with available resources ensures equitable access to public services and contributes 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 said.

At the same time, he added that an annual population growth rate of 2.55 per cent, presents significant challenges for a country with regards to economic planning, employment generation, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

He mentioned that to fully harness the demographic potential of our youth and realize the benefits of this demographic dividend, sustained investment in our national resources and a comprehensive strategy are indispensable. Human development and the ultimate nurturing of people's capabilities must remain at the heart of our national development agenda, he added.

He highlighted that the federal government has recently established the National Population Council for formulation of a comprehensive and an effective national strategy on population and development. This high-level national forum, he said will ensure policy coordination between the federal and provincial governments, strengthen institutional collaboration, and provide strategic policy guidance for the implementation of the National Population Programme and will also facilitate timely and effective decision making in line 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.

To achieve the overarching objective of developing capable, responsible, and empowered citizens, the government is also implementing the Prime Minister's Youth Programme and several other important national initiatives, he added.

The prime minister emphasised 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.

The education, healthcare, economic inclusion, and equal opportunities for women and girls remain among the Government's foremost priorities, he said.

"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 of our present and future generations," the prime minister concluded.