BY: Naseem Hassan:
ISLAMABAD—Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has called for collective action to address Pakistan’s rapid population growth while unlocking the potential of the country’s youth through quality education, healthcare, and skills development.
Speaking at a ceremony marking World Population Day 2026, he said Pakistan’s young population, with over 65 percent under the age of 30, is a valuable demographic dividend that can drive national progress through sustained investment in human capital.
Gilani noted that rapid population growth is increasing pressure on healthcare, education, employment, water resources, and the environment. He stressed that population planning should be an integral part of Pakistan’s economic and development strategy, describing family planning as essential for improving maternal and child health, reducing poverty, and achieving sustainable development.
The Chairman Senate urged political consensus on the issue and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting legislation, policy reforms, and effective oversight for responsible population planning. He also called on political and religious leaders, civil society, and the media to help raise public awareness and address misconceptions regarding family planning.
He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of National Health Services, provincial governments, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and development partners, expressing confidence that coordinated efforts can transform Pakistan’s growing population into a key driver of sustainable development and national prosperity.
