The Pakistan Population Summit 2025 commenced in Islamabad, aiming to address the pressing issue of rapid population growth and its impact on the nation’s development. The two-day event, organised by DawnMedia, brought together policymakers, economists, development experts, and private sector leaders to discuss strategies for balancing population growth with sustainable development.
With over 241 million people, Pakistan ranks as the fifth most populous country in the world, adding around four to five million people annually. At a growth rate of 2.4 percent, the population increase is outpacing employment opportunities, with official estimates projecting a need for 104 million jobs by 2040. Experts warn that if the current trajectory continues, Pakistan may struggle to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Senator Mushahid Hussain highlighted the lack of political will and misaligned priorities as key roadblocks in tackling population growth. He refuted the notion that Pakistan’s Muslim identity prevents family planning, citing successful population management examples in Iran, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Mushahid emphasised that political engagement from all major parties is essential, alongside coordinated strategies involving both federal and provincial authorities.
PML-N MNA Shaista Pervaiz noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has acknowledged the challenge and called for a unified national approach, stressing that population planning should fall under federal oversight rather than fragmented provincial efforts. She highlighted the importance of bringing citizens along in decision-making to ensure policy effectiveness.
UNFPA representative Dr Luay Shabaneh and other experts emphasised that population management is not merely a numbers issue but closely linked with human capital, health, and education outcomes. Dr Shabaneh drew attention to the modest outreach campaigns in Pakistan compared to countries like Iran, Turkiye, and Egypt, urging the nation to adopt more comprehensive communication and awareness programs.
Former KP minister Taimur Jhagra stressed integrating family planning into the health sector to avoid duplication of resources and improve efficiency. He highlighted that provinces like Sindh and Punjab could generate revenue while provinces like Balochistan and KP face unique development challenges, advocating for fiscal equalisation in the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework.
Other speakers at the summit raised concerns about demographic challenges, including youth unemployment, stunting, and declining real wages. Dr Bolormaa Amgaabazar of the World Bank cautioned that Pakistan risks a “demographic liability” if youth are not equipped with jobs and skills. LUMS Vice Chancellor Ali Cheema emphasised centring women in solutions to reduce fertility rates and drive economic growth.
The summit highlighted that unchecked population growth exacerbates resource scarcity, impacts climate resilience, and stretches the health and education systems. Speakers stressed the need for actionable policies, awareness campaigns, and investments in human development to turn population growth from a potential crisis into a demographic dividend.
As the summit concluded its sessions, experts and policymakers agreed that Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads where immediate, coordinated, and well-resourced action is necessary to secure long-term socio-economic stability.
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