ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called on government departments, civil society, the private sector, and global partners to collaborate for a resilient and equitable future.
In his message on World Population Day being observed today, he stressed the significance of sustainable population growth to ensure every citizen enjoys security, dignity, and prosperity.
“Our government is completely committed in its endeavors of providing quality education and skills training to this new generation to compete in a rapidly evolving world economy. Moreover, we are creating job opportunities for the youth to harness their potential and turn this youth bulge into an asset.”
The PM said, “Creating an atmosphere where every Pakistani can thrive requires effective management of their population growth, ensuring a balance between resources and population size to foster economic growth, enhance living standards, and decrease poverty”.
He added that the government recognizes the varied needs and challenges of their population. The PM said, “Equity is fundamental to our development agenda, and by obtaining a sustainable population growth rate, we aim to tackle inequalities and strive towards a society where everyone has equitable access to resources and opportunities essential for the success and prosperity”.
The theme for this year’s World Population Day, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” aligns closely with government’s vision for Pakistan, he said. The government of Pakistan is dedicated to ensuring that everyone, community, and voice from across the nation is considered in its programs and policies, he stated.
He also stressed the alignment with the international community in reflecting on the critical importance of population issues and their profound influence on Pakistan’s development trajectory. With Pakistan’s current population exceeding 240 million and increasing at a rate of 2.55% annually, projections indicate it could reach 263 million by 2030 and 383 million by 2050.
