Walk held to raise awareness about population bulge

Event was part of World Population Week started in Jhelum on Monday

JHELUM:

To create awareness about the problems of issues of population bulge, the Jhelum District Population Welfare Department organised an awareness walk.

The event was held in connection with World Population Week. Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Kamran Khan and CEO Health Department Dr Mian Mazhar Hayat led the walk that started from District Council Hall Jhelum and ended at Kachhari Chowk.

According to Babar Zaheer, the district population officer, World Population Day is celebrated on July 11 across the world to create awareness about the issues concerning the global population. However, this year, in light of the Eidul Azha holidays, events in connection with World Population Day will be observed from July 18 to 22 in the district.

Speaking on the occasion, Khan said that World Population Week is being celebrated for the development of the nation and society, it is very important to keep a balance in population and resources. Almost three-fourths of Pakistan’s population consists of children and youth, which provides an opportunity for economic and social development.

“If we can provide these children and youth with education, technical training and employment and business opportunities and a favorable environment, there is no reason that our country cannot progress,” he said, adding that there is a need to make the best use of the existing manpower while realizing the effects of rapid population growth.

According to Babar Zaheer, the district population officer, World Population Day is celebrated on July 11 across the world to create awareness about the issues concerning the global population. However, this year, in light of the Eidul Azha holidays, events in connection with World Population Day will be observed from July 18 to 22 in the district.

Zaheer said that all events will be planned to raise awareness among the public about the rapidly growing population and its adverse impacts. The officer said that there are currently around eight billion people on the planet whereas Pakistan’s overall population stands at 23 million.

The focus of this year’s World Population Day events is to provide opportunities, rights, and freedom of choice for the entire eight billion so that the world is to advance toward a secure future.

He said that all District Offices, Tehsil Offices, Family Health Clinics, Welfare Centers, and Social Mobilizers of the Jhelum Department of Population Welfare continue to spread awareness regarding the population growth rate.

Meanwhile, Member Punjab Assembly Jahangir Khanzada has said that the government will compensate for the damages caused by heavy rainfall in Cantonment Board Kamra and Jatial village as soon as they get approval from Chief Minister Punjab, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif.

Speaking at a press conference, while visiting the afflicted area, MPA Jahangir Khanzada said that the government of Punjab will also fund the construction of all the collapsed buildings.

He further stated that DC Attock and Assistant Commissioner Hazro have been issued special orders regarding the assessment of damage and clean-up of rubble.

Moreover, the bridges that had to be closed due to heavy rainfall will soon be opened up via machinery. Furthermore, he said that he would meet the Chief Minister of Punjab right after the by-elections to discuss the damages in the area. “I will continue my efforts to compensate the people who have suffered due to rain,” he said.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2022.