PM calls population rise national issue

President calls for empowering masses

ISLAMABAD:

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

In his message on the World Population Day, observed globally under the theme "Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future," the prime minister said that the day provides an important opportunity to highlight the significance of population issues at the global level.

He added that this year's theme, "Realizing 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.

"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 said.

Responsible and prudent population planning and management, he said form the foundation of a welfare-oriented society, adding that a population that remains commensurate with available resources ensures equitable access to public services and contributes 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.

At the same time, he added that an annual population growth rate of 2.55 per cent, presents significant challenges for a country with regards to economic planning, employment generation, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

He mentioned that to fully harness the demographic potential of our youth and realize 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 added.

He highlighted that the federal government has recently established the National Population Council for formulation of a comprehensive and an effective national strategy on population and development. This high-level national forum, he said will 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 and 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, he added.

The prime minister emphasised that every citizen, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or background, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society, deserves 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.

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," the prime minister concluded.

President's message

In his message on the World Population Day, President Asif Ali Zardari have urged all stakeholders, government institutions, parliamentarians, academia, civil society organisations, development partners, religious leaders, the media and communities to work together in promoting the health, wellbeing and empowerment of the masses.

The president highlighted that by placing women, children and young people at the centre of the national development efforts, the country could create a future that is equitable, inclusive and sustainable.

President Zardari joined the international community in reflecting on evolving population trends and reaffirming the nation's collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can live with dignity, health and opportunity.

"Pakistan is blessed with a young and vibrant population. More than sixty-five per cent of our citizens are under the age of thirty, presenting a unique opportunity for national progress. If provided with quality education, healthcare, skills and employment opportunities, our youth can become a powerful demographic dividend, driving economic growth, innovation and social development. Investing in young people today is an investment in Pakistan's future," he said.

He underscored that the nation must also recognise the critical importance of improving the health and wellbeing of women and children. "Maternal health, child survival, nutrition, education and access to essential healthcare services remain fundamental pillars of sustainable development," he said, adding that a society could not prosper when mothers face preventable risks during pregnancy and childbirth, when children suffer from malnutrition or when girls were denied opportunities to learn and thrive.

The president also recalled the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who championed womens' rights, dignity and empowerment. She emphasised the vital role of womens' empowerment, education and reproductive health in national development, and her legacy continues to inspire these efforts today, he said.

The president added that population and development are deeply interconnected as progress in education, healthcare, gender equality, poverty reduction and economic opportunity strengthens families and communities, contributing to a more prosperous and resilient society.