Pakistan will enter 2026 as the world’s fifth-most populous country, with its population crossing 225 million, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The agency said the milestone highlights the growing urgency of addressing population dynamics amid high fertility rates, gender inequality and increasing climate vulnerability.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, UNFPA Pakistan noted that rapid population growth continues to put pressure on health, education, employment and social protection systems. However, it stressed that population should not be viewed as a burden but as a strategic driver of sustainable and inclusive development if managed effectively.
Looking ahead to 2026, UNFPA called for a shift in how population factors are reflected in national planning and public financing, particularly in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award formula. It urged policymakers to move beyond population size as the sole determinant for resource distribution.
Instead, the agency proposed a forward-looking approach that rewards provinces for measurable progress in gender equality, climate resilience, balanced population outcomes and improvements in the quality of health and education services. Such reforms, it said, would better align fiscal incentives with human development outcomes.
UNFPA said this approach could encourage innovation, strengthen accountability and help translate population policies into tangible benefits for communities across the country. It also emphasised the importance of implementing recommendations made by the Council of Common Interests with clear accountability mechanisms, defined timelines and sustained domestic financing.
The agency noted that despite some progress, major challenges persist. High maternal mortality, unmet needs for family planning, early marriages, gender-based violence and unequal access to quality reproductive health services remain widespread, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
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These challenges, UNFPA warned, are closely linked to stalled fertility decline and uneven development outcomes. Addressing them requires strong political commitment, reliable population data and evidence-based planning to ensure that Pakistan’s growing population becomes a source of economic strength rather than social strain.