President, PM urge ‘unified national response’ to population growth for sustainable development

• Premier Shehbaz says responsible population planning key to prosperity, equitable resource distribution

• Says National Population Council to spearhead coordinated strategy on population and development

• President stresses investment in youth, women’s health and gender equality to unlock demographic dividend

  ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for a “united national effort” to address Pakistan’s rapidly growing population, urging all stakeholders to treat population planning as a “shared national responsibility” essential for sustainable development, economic prosperity and the well-being of future generations.

In their separate messages on World Population Day, observed this year under the theme “Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People, Today and for the Future,” the two leaders stressed the need for informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality and coordinated policies to harness Pakistan’s demographic potential while addressing the challenges posed by rapid population growth.

The prime minister urged the federal and provincial governments, members of parliament, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, religious scholars, the media and local communities to recognise the urgency of population growth as a national issue and fulfil their shared responsibility by promoting informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality and sustainable development.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا عالمی یومِ آبادی 11 جولائی 2026 پر پیغام.

پاکستان آج عالمی یومِ آبادی پر اقوام عالم کے ساتھ ہم آواز ہو کر آبادی کی پائیدار ترقی اور خوشحالی کی ضامن ذمہ دارانہ منصوبہ بندی کے عزم کی تجدید کرتا ہے۔

آبادی کی ذمہ دارانہ اور دانشمندانہ منصوبہ سازی اور…

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 11, 2026

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said World Population Day provided an important opportunity to highlight the significance of population issues at the global level.

He said this year’s theme underscored the pivotal role of young people in shaping a prosperous future, adding that creating an enabling environment for the younger generation was 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 said responsible and prudent population planning and management formed the foundation of a welfare-oriented society, adding that a population commensurate with available resources ensured equitable access to public services and contributed 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 per cent 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,” the prime minister said.

At the same time, he noted that the country’s annual population growth rate of 2.55 per cent presented significant challenges in economic planning, employment generation, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.

To fully harness the demographic potential of Pakistan’s youth and realise the benefits of the demographic dividend, the prime minister said sustained investment in national resources and a comprehensive strategy were indispensable. Human development and nurturing people’s capabilities, he added, must remain at the heart of the national development agenda.

Highlighting recent government initiatives, the prime minister said the federal government had established the National Population Council to formulate a comprehensive and effective national strategy on population and development.

He said the high-level forum would ensure policy coordination between the federal and provincial governments, strengthen institutional collaboration and provide strategic guidance for implementing the National Population Programme, while facilitating 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.

He emphasised that every citizen, irrespective of race, ethnicity or background—particularly the most vulnerable segments of society—deserved equal access to essential services and due consideration in future planning.

Education, healthcare, economic inclusion and equal opportunities for women and girls remained among the government’s foremost priorities, he added.

“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,” the prime minister concluded.

 President calls for investment in youth, women and families

In his message on World Population Day, President Asif Ali Zardari said that by placing women, children and young people at the centre of national development efforts, Pakistan could build a future that was equitable, inclusive and sustainable.

"​I call upon all stakeholders, government institutions, parliamentarians, academia, civil society organisations, development partners, religious leaders, the media and communities to work together in promoting the health, wellbeing and empowerment of our people. By placing… pic.twitter.com/eWnBrLELHD

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 11, 2026

Joining the international community in observing the day, the president said it offered an opportunity to reflect on evolving population trends and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to building a society where every citizen could live with dignity, health and opportunity.

“Pakistan is blessed with a young and vibrant population. More than 65 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.

The president underscored the importance of improving the health and well-being of women and children, describing maternal health, child survival, nutrition, education and access to essential healthcare services as fundamental pillars of sustainable development.

He said no society could prosper when mothers faced preventable risks during pregnancy and childbirth, children suffered from malnutrition or girls were denied opportunities to learn and thrive.

"This occasion also reminds us of the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who championed womens' rights, dignity and empowerment. She emphasised the vital role of womens' empowerment, education and reproductive health in national development, and her legacy continues to… pic.twitter.com/0uA4pK6mJC

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 11, 2026

President Zardari also recalled the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, saying she championed women’s rights, dignity and empowerment while emphasising the importance of women’s empowerment, education and reproductive health in national development. He added that her legacy continued to inspire these efforts today.

The president said population and development were deeply interconnected, noting that progress in education, healthcare, gender equality, poverty reduction and economic opportunity strengthened families and communities and contributed to a more prosperous and resilient society.