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.
Responsible and prudent population planning and management form the foundation of a welfare-oriented society. 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.
World Population Day provides an important opportunity to highlight the significance of population issues at the global level. 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.
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.
At the same time, an annual population growth rate of 2.55 %, presents significant challenges for a country with regards to economic planning, employment generation, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.
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.
For formulation of a comprehensive and an effective national strategy on population and development, the Federal Government has recently established the National Population Council. This high-level national forum 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. 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.
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.
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.
Addressing population-related challenges requires the collective efforts of both the Government and all segments of society. I call upon 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 recognize the urgency of this national issue and fulfil their shared responsibility by promoting informed decision making, responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable development.
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.
