ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described Pakistan’s rapidly increasing population as the country’s greatest challenge, calling for comprehensive measures to promote population welfare and ensure sustainable national development.
The remarks were made while chairing a review meeting on population welfare in Islamabad, where the prime minister also directed authorities to convene a meeting of the National Population Council at the earliest opportunity.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that controlling the country’s fast-growing population should be treated as a national responsibility, requiring coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
“Rapid population growth is the biggest challenge facing the country,” the prime minister said, emphasizing the need for effective policies and practical measures to address the issue.
He noted that maintaining a balanced population growth rate is essential for achieving sustainable economic development, improving public services, and ensuring the efficient use of national resources.
The prime minister said that population planning must be integrated with Pakistan’s broader development and economic stability goals, adding that long-term national progress depends on maintaining a balance between population growth and available resources.
Shehbaz Sharif also instructed relevant authorities to strengthen coordination and collaboration with provincial governments to improve the implementation of population welfare initiatives across the country.
He highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns, saying that educating people about family planning and population welfare is a key element in addressing the country’s demographic challenges.
According to the prime minister, effective awareness initiatives can help encourage informed decision-making among families while supporting the government’s broader development objectives.
The meeting reviewed ongoing population welfare programs and discussed strategies to enhance cooperation between federal and provincial institutions to improve service delivery and policy implementation.
Officials also examined ways to strengthen the role of the National Population Council in coordinating nationwide efforts aimed at managing population growth and promoting sustainable development.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing policies that support balanced population growth, improve healthcare and family welfare services, and contribute to Pakistan’s long-term economic and social stability.
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