PM calls on stakeholders to recognize urgency of population rise, promote sustainable development

Says responsible, prudent population planning and management form the foundation of a welfare-oriented society

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all stakeholders, including 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 the population rise as a national issue and fulfil their shared responsibility by promoting informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable development.

The prime minister, in his message on World Population Day, said that the day provided an important opportunity to highlight the significance of population issues at the global level.

He added that this year’s theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People, Today and for the Future,” underscores the pivotal role of young people in shaping a prosperous future. Creating an enabling environment for the younger generation is our collective responsibility.

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

“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,” PM Shehbaz wrote.

Responsible and prudent population planning and management, he said, form the foundation of a welfare-oriented society, adding that a population that remained 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% 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,” PM Shehbaz said.

Read: Ahsan calls population growth unsustainable

He added that an annual population growth rate of 2.55% presented significant challenges for a country with regard to economic planning, employment generation, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

According to PM Shehbaz, in order to fully harness the demographic potential of our youth and realise the benefits of this demographic dividend, sustained investment in our national resources and a comprehensive strategy are indispensable.

Human development and the ultimate nurturing of people’s capabilities must remain at the heart of our national development agenda, he said.

The prime minister highlighted that the federal government recently established the National Population Council for the formulation of a comprehensive and effective national strategy on population and development.

This high-level national forum, he said, would ensure policy coordination between the federal and provincial governments, strengthen institutional collaboration, and provide strategic policy guidance for the implementation of the National Population Programme.

It will also facilitate 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.

To achieve the overarching objective of developing capable, responsible, and empowered citizens, the government is also implementing the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and several other important national initiatives, PM Shehbaz added.

Read More: Political, military leadership fully united and determined to eradicate terrorism: PM Shehbaz

The prime minister 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.

The education, healthcare, economic inclusion, and equal opportunities for women and girls remain among the government’s foremost priorities, he said.

“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," the prime minister assured.

He concluded, "Together, we can transform Pakistan’s demographic potential into enduring national strength and secure a stable, prosperous, developed, and resilient future for both of our present and future generations."

According to a report released in May, Pakistan's population may explode to 390 million in the next 25 years, marking an increase of 62%, of which 256 million people will be in the market looking for jobs that is more than the existing total population.

Even in the case of using contraceptive methods to control population, inhabitants are projected to increase to over 383 million, or 59%, in 2050, according to the Population Projections report 2023-50, launched by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The report was prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).