PM calls for urgent population planning to protect resources

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need for urgent and effective population planning, warning

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need for urgent and effective population planning, warning that rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on the country’s resources and development capacity.

Chairing a high-level meeting on population welfare in Islamabad, the prime minister said sustainable economic growth and social progress depend on maintaining a balance between population expansion and the availability of national resources.

He stressed that population management should become an integral part of Pakistan’s long-term development strategy and should be linked with economic planning, human resource development and social welfare policies.

The prime minister directed relevant authorities to expedite the establishment of the National Population Council and ensure that its administrative and organisational framework is completed without delay.

He said the council would play a central role in formulating policies and coordinating efforts aimed at addressing population-related challenges across the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that he would personally lead the council to ensure effective implementation of population welfare initiatives at the national level.

The council will include representatives from the federal government, provincial administrations and regional governments to promote a coordinated and unified strategy.

Senior government officials and cabinet members participated in the meeting, where participants reviewed demographic trends and discussed policy options for sustainable population management.

Officials briefed the meeting on existing population challenges and highlighted the need for stronger coordination between social welfare programmes and family planning initiatives.

Special emphasis was placed on improving women’s education and expanding economic opportunities for women, which were identified as key elements for achieving long-term population stability.

Participants were informed that empowering women through education and employment has proven to be one of the most effective methods of managing population growth in many countries.

The meeting also discussed plans for a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at promoting responsible family planning and balanced population growth.

Authorities believe that greater public awareness and community participation will be essential for the success of future population welfare programmes.

International examples of successful population management policies were also reviewed during the meeting, with officials examining experiences from several countries that have effectively controlled population growth through education, healthcare and social reforms.

The government plans to work closely with provincial administrations to implement a comprehensive and coordinated population welfare strategy throughout the country.

Officials said a dedicated secretariat would be established under the Ministry of Planning to support the operations of the National Population Council and oversee implementation of its policies.

The government believes that effective population planning will not only reduce pressure on public resources but will also improve living standards, strengthen economic stability and create better opportunities for future generations.