KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday stressed the need for informed decision-making and responsible parenthood to address Pakistan’s population-related challenges, the Pakistani information ministry said.
The statement came on World Population Day, an annual global event observed on July 11 to raise awareness about urgent population and development issues, including reproductive health, gender equality, poverty, and human rights.
Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world and more than 65 percent of its population is under the age of 30, representing a tremendous national asset and a powerful driver of economic and social progress.
At the same time, an annual population growth rate of 2.55 percent presents significant challenges for a country with regards to economic planning, employment generation, education, health care, housing, food, environment and infrastructure development.
“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,” he said, urging all stakeholders to promote equality and sustainable development.
Pakistan’s government has recently established a National Population Council to formulate a comprehensive and an effective national strategy on population and development, according to the country’s information ministry.
This high-level national forum will ensure policy coordination between 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.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari called for greater investment in young people, women and children to transform Pakistan’s demographic potential into sustainable national development, Pakistani state media reported on Saturday.
“Pakistan’s large youth population presents a unique opportunity for progress if provided with quality education, health care, skills and employment,” President Zardari was quoted as saying by the Radio Pakistan broadcaster.
“Empowering women is key to build stronger families and communities.”
