Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan population growth remains the country’s biggest challenge, stressing that effective population planning is essential for economic stability, sustainable development and improving human resources. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, the premier called population control a national responsibility and urged stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments.
The prime minister directed officials to immediately convene a meeting of the National Population Council. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the session will bring together the chief ministers of all provinces, the leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, along with other stakeholders, to finalise a comprehensive national strategy.
Officials informed the meeting that the government is preparing the National Stabilisation Plan 2026–2035 to address Pakistan population growth. The proposed framework aims to reduce the country’s annual population growth rate from the current 2.55% to 1.25% by 2035 through coordinated policy measures.
The meeting was also told that the new strategy will focus on improving healthcare, education, youth development, vocational training, social protection and greater participation of women in the workforce. These sectors have been identified as key components of the government’s long-term development agenda.
Officials further said work has started to connect several federal social protection programmes with population welfare initiatives. The government believes integrating social assistance with family welfare measures can help achieve sustainable demographic and economic goals.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that population planning should remain closely linked with national progress and economic development. He instructed authorities to strengthen public awareness campaigns and ensure close cooperation among all relevant institutions for effective implementation.
The discussion on Pakistan population growth was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior government officials. The meeting reviewed preparations for the National Population Council and discussed measures to support the country’s long-term development objectives.
