Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for urgent and collective action to address Pakistan’s population challenges, emphasizing that responsible and intelligent planning in population management is fundamental to building a welfare society .

In a statement marking World Population Day, the Prime Minister appealed to all segments of society—including federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, development partners, civil society, universities, the private sector, religious scholars, media, and local communities—to recognize the sensitivity of the issue and fulfill their social responsibilities on an emergency basis .

Youth: A Demographic Dividend

Pakistan is the world’s fifth most populous country, with over 65% of its population under the age of 30—a valuable national asset and a strong driver of economic and social development . This year’s World Population Day theme, “Harnessing the Aspirations and Hopes of Youth for Today and Tomorrow,” highlights the centrality of young people in shaping a prosperous future .

However, the Prime Minister noted that Pakistan’s annual population growth rate of 2.55% poses significant challenges for economic planning, employment, education, health, housing, food security, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability .

National Council on Population Established

To ensure a comprehensive and effective national strategy, the federal government has established the National Council on Population (NCOP) under the supervision of the Prime Minister . The high-level forum will ensure policy coordination and institutional linkages between federal and provincial governments, providing policy guidance for implementing the national population program while facilitating timely decision-making in line with national priorities .

Key priorities of the council include:

• Effective integration of population matters into the national development agenda
• Women’s empowerment and human resource development
• Evidence-based policy formulation
• Long-term social and economic prosperity

Focus on Vulnerable Segments

The Prime Minister emphasized that all citizens, regardless of color or creed—particularly vulnerable segments including women and girls—deserve special attention in service delivery and future planning. Education, health, economic inclusion, and equal opportunities for women and girls remain government priorities .

Path Forward

Through programs such as the Prime Minister’s Youth Program and other national initiatives, the government is working to build capable, responsible, and empowered citizens .

“Through collective commitment and joint efforts, we can ensure an environment where every citizen has equal opportunities to lead a healthy, dignified, and capable life,” the Prime Minister stated . “Together, we can transform our demographic potential into lasting national strength and build a strong, stable, prosperous, and developed future for present and future generations.”