On World Population Day Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible population planning, describing it as essential for sustainable development and long-term national prosperity. He urged all sectors of society to work together to address Pakistan’s rapidly growing population and ensure a better future for coming generations.
In his message marking World Population Day, the prime minister noted that Pakistan’s annual population growth rate stands at 2.55 percent. As the world’s fifth-most populous country, he said Pakistan must treat population management as a national priority to ease pressure on the economy, healthcare, education, housing, employment and public infrastructure.
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
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted this year’s global theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People, Today and for the Future,” saying that nearly 65 percent of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30. He described young people as the country’s greatest strength and stressed that investing in education, skills and employment opportunities would help convert this demographic into an economic advantage.
The prime minister called on federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, civil society, religious scholars, academia, development partners, the private sector, media and local communities to promote responsible parenthood, informed decision-making, gender equality and sustainable development. He said collective action is necessary to address the country’s demographic challenges effectively.
Shehbaz also highlighted the government’s recent establishment of the National Population Council (NPC), saying the body would strengthen coordination between the federation and provinces while guiding the implementation of the National Population Programme. The council will also support evidence-based policymaking, women’s empowerment and human resource development.
He reaffirmed that education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and economic inclusion remain among the government’s top priorities. The premier added that initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme aim to equip young Pakistanis with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to national progress.
“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
President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a message on World Population Day Pakistan, urging greater investment in women, children and youth. He said improving maternal healthcare, child nutrition, education and equal opportunities would help transform Pakistan’s growing population into a lasting source of economic growth and sustainable development.
