The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (M/o NHSR&C) organized a national consultative meeting on the Draft National Population Stabilization Program (NPSP) 2026-35, developed with the support of the Ministry of Finance. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, Economic Affairs Division, United Nations agencies, international development partners, the Population Council, and other stakeholders.
In his statement, Syed Mustufa Kamal, Federal Health Minister, said that population stabilisation is not merely a policy option but a national imperative for Pakistan's economic survival, social development, and future prosperity. He emphasised that political commitment, inter-provincial harmony, and robust resource mobilization are the key components required to translate the Plan into tangible outcomes on the ground. He added that Pakistan remains a signatory to the principles of the Paris Declaration, and the Draft NPSP reflects those principles as a country-owned, evidence-based, and results-driven framework, developed after careful consideration of national priorities, demographic realities, and international best practices. He further stated that family planning is the gateway to Universal Health Coverage, and without it, Pakistan cannot achieve maternal and child health goals, gender equity, or poverty reduction.
The Federal Health Minister acknowledged the longstanding technical and financial support of development partners, including UNFPA, WHO, FCDO, GAVI, ADB, and the World Bank, and expressed gratitude for their continued partnership in strengthening Pakistan's health and population sectors over the years.
On the occasion, Mr. Adnan Pasha, Advisor to the Federal Minister for Finance, presented a comprehensive demographic outlook of the country. He informed participants that Pakistan's population is on a trajectory of unprecedented growth and will reach 390 million by 2050 under the current trajectory. He noted that the country stands at a critical demographic juncture, and under the current path, the nation will face immense pressure on its finite resources, including water, food, housing, education, and health infrastructure.
The development partners also shared their policy statements and reiterated their commitment to support the agenda of population in Pakistan. They emphasized that the federal and provincial governments should take the lead to advance the agenda of population, by media, academia Civil Society Organizations and INGOs/NGOs, and private sector.
The participants shared their expert views to improve population stabilization.
