The United Nations Population Fund has welcomed recent policy steps taken by Pakistan to strengthen its national population and development agenda. The organization noted that fiscal, legislative, and institutional reforms reflect growing government commitment to improving health, rights, and wellbeing, particularly for women, adolescents, and vulnerable communities across the country.
A key development highlighted by UNFPA is the government’s decision to remove all taxes on contraceptives and menstrual hygiene products. This move reduces costs for essential reproductive health supplies and improves access for low-income and marginalized groups. It is also expected to support better maternal health outcomes and encourage informed family planning choices nationwide.
In addition, Pakistan has made progress on legal reforms aimed at protecting women and children. Efforts to advance child marriage restraint legislation, including setting 18 years as the minimum age of marriage for girls, have been welcomed as an important step toward safeguarding adolescent rights and strengthening social protection frameworks.
UNFPA also pointed to broader institutional reforms, including the establishment of the National Population Council under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The council brings together federal and provincial leadership along with key ministries, aiming to improve coordination and ensure that population challenges are addressed through a unified national strategy.
Furthermore, discussions around using the National Finance Commission framework to support population and development goals were acknowledged as a forward-looking approach. Linking financial incentives to demographic and social outcomes could help promote balanced regional development while improving accountability and long-term planning across provinces.
Despite these positive developments, UNFPA emphasized that sustained progress will require continued investment, stronger implementation, and cross-sector coordination. The organization reaffirmed its support for Pakistan and encouraged expanded access to reproductive health services, stronger protection laws, and greater investment in youth and women to ensure lasting improvements in public wellbeing.