PM Shehbaz calls for effective awareness campaign to curb population growth

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to launch an effective and comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at controlling the rapidly increasing population growth rate in the country.

Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister highlighted population growth as one of the most serious challenges confronting Pakistan, stressing that immediate and coordinated measures are required to address the issue.

PM Shehbaz said that population management and welfare initiatives should be treated as a national responsibility, adding that effective planning in this regard is essential for ensuring sustainable development and improving the quality of life for citizens.

The prime minister emphasized that population planning must be closely aligned with national development priorities, economic stability and human resource development. He noted that a balanced population growth rate would help create better opportunities in education, healthcare, employment and other essential sectors.

During the meeting, officials briefed the premier that a meeting of the National Population Council would be convened soon to devise a comprehensive strategy for population welfare and long-term planning.

The participants were informed that the government is also working on the National Stabilization Plan 2026–2035, which will provide a national framework to reduce population growth through coordinated policies and targeted interventions.

The meeting was briefed that the proposed plan aims to lower Pakistan’s population growth rate from the existing 2.55 percent to 1.25 percent by 2035.

The government’s strategy will focus on creating public awareness, improving access to population welfare services and encouraging responsible population planning to support the country’s socio-economic development.

PM Shehbaz reiterated that addressing population growth is crucial for achieving economic progress, strengthening social development and ensuring a sustainable future for upcoming generations.