PM Sharif Calls for Action on Population Growth

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Thursday that Pakistan’s 2.55% annual population growth rate is a worrying trend. He stressed that this requires immediate and well-planned policy interventions at the national level to effectively manage the issue.

The prime minister presided over a high-profile meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office. The purpose was to assess the difficulties presented by Pakistan’s increasing population and to discuss impactful management strategies, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“We need detailed planning to make sure our growing population, particularly the young, can contribute effectively to the economy,” he emphasized. “A significant portion of our population is young, and they are the nation’s most valuable resource.”

He asserted that the government is undertaking various initiatives to empower young people and incorporate them into the economic framework of the country. “Opportunities are being developed to allow our youth to take a leading role in the country’s advancement,” he added.

Gender Inclusion Highlighted

Speaking about gender equality, PM Shehbaz emphasized the crucial role of women’s involvement in the workforce. “Women make up a large part of our human capital, and we must guarantee more job opportunities for them,” he instructed.

The prime minister mandated the creation of a committee responsible for creating a detailed and practical national policy. This will be done in close cooperation with the provincial governments.

“A united and strategic approach is essential right now,” he declared, pushing for a joint federal-provincial structure to handle population-related problems.

He also emphasized the significance of introducing a nationwide awareness campaign to inform citizens about the effects of unchecked population expansion, especially in relation to sustainable economic progress.

During the session, Premier Shehbaz received information on different proposals and suggestions for managing population growth.

Officials highlighted that any lasting solution would depend on active provincial collaboration and public participation at the community level.

The meeting saw the attendance of Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, along with top officials from relevant organizations.