World Population Day: PM points out country’s burgeoning population piling pressure on jobs

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday warned that the country’s fast-growing population was piling pressure on jobs, schools, hospitals and housing, saying the demographic boom could either become its greatest asset or its biggest challenge.

In a message issued on the occasion of World Population Day, the prime minister said Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populous country, had a predominantly young population, with more than 65 percent of its citizens under the age of 30, describing them as a valuable national asset capable of driving economic and social progress.

He, however, noted that the country’s annual population growth rate of 2.55 percent placed increasing pressure on job creation, housing, food security, public services, urban infrastructure and the environment, underscoring the need for sustained investment in human capital and a comprehensive national strategy.

Referring to this year’s World Population Day theme, centred on fulfilling the aspirations of young people, Sharif said creating an enabling environment for the younger generation was a shared national responsibility and essential for building a prosperous future.

The prime minister said the federal government had established the National Council on Population to strengthen coordination between the federation and provinces, provide policy guidance and oversee implementation of the National Population Programme.

He said the council would focus on integrating population issues into the national development agenda, promoting women’s empowerment, advancing human resource development and ensuring evidence-based policymaking for long-term socio-economic progress.

Sharif also highlighted ongoing initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, saying they were aimed at equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to become responsible and productive citizens.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development, he said women and girls’ education, healthcare, economic participation and equal opportunities would remain among its key priorities, while vulnerable sections of society would continue to receive special attention.

Calling for a coordinated national response, the prime minister urged the federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, religious scholars, the media and local communities to promote informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, gender equality and sustainable development.

He expressed confidence that collective efforts would enable Pakistan to harness its demographic potential and secure a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable future for coming generations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026