The United Nations Population Fund has urged Pakistan to invest more in young people by expanding digital access, improving employment opportunities and protecting individual rights. Speaking on World Population Day, UNFPA officials said the country’s future depends on whether its large youth population receives quality education, modern skills and the freedom to make informed life decisions.
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The organisation presented findings from its global Lives, Choices and Futures survey, which gathered responses from more than 100,000 adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries. The report found that young people continue to value marriage, parenthood and family life. However, economic pressures, housing costs, employment uncertainty and other social challenges often prevent them from achieving these goals.
UNFPA highlighted that Pakistan has one of the world’s largest youth populations, offering a significant opportunity for long-term economic growth if young people receive proper education, healthcare and productive employment. At the same time, officials warned that failing to create these opportunities could turn the country’s demographic advantage into a major development challenge with lasting economic and social consequences.
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The organisation also expressed concern over the digital divide affecting rural communities, particularly women and girls who still lack reliable internet access. It stressed that better digital connectivity and practical training would help young people improve their education, gain professional skills and compete for jobs in an increasingly technology-driven economy. Officials also called for the creation of decent employment that enables young adults to build stable and independent futures.
Furthermore, UNFPA urged stronger efforts to eliminate child marriage and protect girls’ rights by ensuring access to education, healthcare and equal opportunities. The organisation emphasised that population policies should focus on human rights and informed personal choices rather than numerical population targets. It added that empowering people to decide freely about their health, relationships and families remains essential for sustainable national development.