ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said that to achieve sustainable population growth we must make joint efforts.

He was speaking at the launch of “Pakistan’s Population @ 2050: Demographic Change, Future Projections and Development Opportunities.”

As Pakistan faced mounting challenges with its population growing rapidly, the report, produced by the Population Council with the support of UNFPA, delved into the country’s demographic trends and provides a roadmap for sustainable development.

A statement said speaking as chief guest at the event, the minister lauded the report’s in-depth analysis of census data and its forward-looking approach. He said effective service delivery, particularly in family planning and healthcare, required true devolution of authority to local governments.

“To achieve sustainable population growth and our development goals, we must work as Team Pakistan. This demands collaboration, policy continuity, and a focus on empowering women through education and health access,” he stated.

The multi-chapter report linked demographic dynamics with critical sectors such as education, climate adaptation, and economic development.

Dr Zeba Sathar, Country Director of the Population Council, introduced the report by underscoring the relationship between demographic trends and national progress. She said prioritising the development of women and girls was key to fostering progress across sectors.

“Integrating fertility reduction into climate resilience strategies is crucial to ensuring Pakistan’s long-term sustainability,” she noted.

Sindh’s Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho highlighted the economic and environmental impact of rapid population growth.

She called for a holistic approach that recognised population management as an urgent priority intertwined with resource allocation, demographic shifts and climate challenges.

The report outlined strategies to address pressing issues, including reducing unintended pregnancies, improving women’s health, and optimising resource use.

Dr Nafisa Shah, Member of the National Assembly, urged policymakers to adopt a broader perspective on population stabilisation, focusing not just on fertility rates but also on the social factors driving population growth.

Key contributors to the report, including Dr Hanid Mukhtar and Dr GM Arif, presented findings on household size and national savings. They emphasised the importance of structural changes to harness the benefits of urbanisation and support long-term economic resilience.

UNFPA Regional Director Pio Smith reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s sustainable development goals.

He called for investments in human capital, particularly in empowering women and ensuring their rights and choices.

“Pakistan must view population issues as central to its political and economic agenda,” he added, noting the demographic dividend can be a powerful driver of prosperity if managed effectively.

The additional secretary Ministry of National Health Services highlighted ongoing government efforts to implement decisions from the Council of Common Interest to stabilise population growth. The event emphasised the collective responsibility of all sectors to address population challenges with collaboration across political, economic and social domains.

The statement said the report served as a comprehensive guide for policymakers, offering actionable insights into addressing population challenges while fostering climate resilience, gender equality and sustainable growth.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024