President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the population and development are deeply interconnected.
This was stated by Presient Asif Ali Zardari in his message on the World Population Day observed on Saturday.
President Zardari said “On the occasion of World Population Day, observed globally under the theme “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future,” I join the international community in reflecting on evolving population trends and reaffirming our collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can live with dignity, health and opportunity”.
President Zardari said Pakistan is blessed with a young and vibrant population. More than sixty-five per cent of our citizens are under the age of thirty, presenting a unique opportunity for national progress. If provided with quality education, healthcare, skills and employment opportunities, our youth can become a powerful demographic dividend, driving economic growth, innovation and social development. Investing in young people today is an investment in Pakistan’s future.
President Zardari said “We must also recognise the critical importance of improving the health and wellbeing of women and children. Maternal health, child survival, nutrition, education and access to essential healthcare services remain fundamental pillars of sustainable development. A society cannot prosper when mothers face preventable risks during pregnancy and childbirth, when children suffer from malnutrition or when girls are denied opportunities to learn and thrive. This occasion also reminds us of the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who championed womens’ rights, dignity and empowerment. She emphasised the vital role of women’s empowerment, education and reproductive health in national development and her legacy continues to inspire these efforts today”.
President Zardari said population and development are deeply interconnected. Progress in education, healthcare, gender equality, poverty reduction and economic opportunity strengthens families and communities, contributing to a more prosperous and resilient society. Ensuring that every woman has access to quality healthcare and that every child receives the care, nutrition and education necessary to reach their full potential is both a moral responsibility and a national imperative.
President Zardari said “I call upon all stakeholders, government institutions, parliamentarians, academia, civil society organisations, development partners, religious leaders, the media and communities to work together in promoting the health, wellbeing and empowerment of our people. By placing women, children and young people at the centre of our development efforts, we can create a future that is equitable, inclusive and sustainable. Let us renew our commitment to building a Pakistan where every person can realise their hopes and aspirations. Together, we can transform our demographic strengths into lasting national prosperity and human development”.