On World Population Day, govt pledges 'responsible' planning to tackle alarming demographic boom

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for recognizing Pakistan's rapidly expanding populace and reaffirmed the government's commitment to "responsible" population planning for a prosperous future. Speaking on World Population Day, Sharif highlighted the nation's annual population growth rate of 2.55%, urging all stakeholders to acknowledge the urgency of this demographic boom as a national issue.

The significant population increase is placing considerable pressure on Pakistan's economy, health services, and other essential systems. To tackle this challenge, the government has established a high-level committee, which includes the army chief, to devise strategies for managing the demographic growth.

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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.

Sharif emphasized that Pakistan, currently the world's fifth most populous country with 65% of its population under 30, views its youth as a tremendous national asset. However, he cautioned that the rapid growth presents substantial challenges for economic planning, employment, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.

"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 stated. He stressed that creating an enabling environment for the younger generation is a collective responsibility, requiring sustained investment and a comprehensive strategy to harness the benefits of the demographic dividend. Responsible population planning, he added, forms the foundation of a welfare-oriented society, ensuring equitable access to public services and contributing to the well-being of all citizens.

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Creating an enabling environment for the younger generation is our collective responsibility.