Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible population planning as Pakistan observed World Population Day. He said the country’s 2.55 percent annual population growth requires urgent national attention and coordinated action. The government’s strategy aims to support sustainable development while improving opportunities for future generations.
In his World Population Day message, the prime minister urged 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 said Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populous country, has a young population that can become a major driver of economic and social progress if provided with adequate opportunities.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا عالمی یومِ آبادی 11 جولائی 2026 پر پیغام.
پاکستان آج عالمی یومِ آبادی پر اقوام عالم کے ساتھ ہم آواز ہو کر آبادی کی پائیدار ترقی اور خوشحالی کی ضامن ذمہ دارانہ منصوبہ بندی کے عزم کی تجدید کرتا ہے۔
آبادی کی ذمہ دارانہ اور دانشمندانہ منصوبہ سازی اور…
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 11, 2026
Read more: Population growth rate 2.55 percent annually
However, PM Shehbaz warned that rapid population growth continues to place increasing pressure on economic planning, employment, education, healthcare, housing, food security, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. Referring to this year’s World Population Day theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People, Today and for the Future,” he stressed that investing in young people is essential to fully benefit from Pakistan’s demographic potential.
The prime minister said the recently established National Population Council will formulate a comprehensive national strategy on population and development while strengthening coordination between the federal and provincial governments. He added that the council will integrate population issues into the national development agenda, promote women’s empowerment, strengthen human resource development, and support evidence-based policymaking. He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme as part of broader efforts to develop empowered and productive citizens.
Read more: Govt taking proactive measures to control population growth
“I call upon all stakeholders, government institutions, parliamentarians, academia, civil society organisations, development partners, religious leaders, the media and communities to work together in promoting the health, wellbeing and empowerment of our people. By placing… pic.twitter.com/eWnBrLELHD
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 11, 2026
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari also called for collective efforts to improve healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and equal opportunities for all citizens. He described Pakistan’s large youth population as a valuable national asset capable of driving economic growth if supported through quality education, healthcare, skills, and employment. The president also emphasized maternal and child healthcare as key pillars of sustainable development and urged renewed commitment to building an inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.