ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday inaugurated the ‘Pakistan Population Summit,’ a national dialogue aimed at restoring demographic balance and promoting sustainable development. The summit seeks to highlight population planning as a critical investment for the country’s future, as Pakistan continues to grapple with rapid population expansion.
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With more than 241 million people, Pakistan stands as the world’s fifth most populous nation, adding nearly four to five million citizens annually. The population growth rate, currently at 2.40 percent, is the highest in South Asia. Experts warn that if this trajectory continues, Pakistan may struggle to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Thirteen of the 17 SDGs are directly or indirectly affected by population growth. Young people, who form the majority of the population, remain at the heart of this challenge as they face issues such as unemployment, limited access to health and education, and climate-linked vulnerabilities. Ensuring balance between population size and available resources is increasingly vital for a secure future.
The two-day summit brings together policymakers, economists, business leaders, and development experts to build a shared vision. Discussions will centre on how rising population pressures strain healthcare systems, food security, water supplies, and employment opportunities across the country.
Organised by DawnMedia, the summit includes twelve sessions addressing themes such as restoring balance by 2050, translating political resolve into action, urbanisation challenges by 2050, empowering women, and strengthening provincial roles in population management. Federal ministers, provincial leaders, and global representatives from the World Bank and UNFPA will participate in key discussions.
Development specialists emphasise the need for investment in human capital, particularly women and girls, who continue to face significant educational and economic disparities. Experts recommend raising public financing for population planning to 2 percent of GDP for effective long-term outcomes.
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According to the Population Council, achieving a fertility rate of 2.2 children per woman and reducing population growth to 1.2 percent by 2030 could result in 50 million fewer people by 2050, transforming Pakistan’s economic outlook.