Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday urged a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to address Pakistan’s surging population, calling for coordinated cross-sector efforts and intensified public awareness campaigns to curb the explosion in growth.
Speaking at the Population Summit 2025, Tarar underscored the importance of engaging Ulema and parliamentarians in shaping the discourse, stressing that religious leaders can play a crucial role in affirming that faith is not a barrier to addressing unchecked population growth.
He underscored the importance of promoting family harmony and safeguarding the rights of mothers, fathers, and children.
Tarar proposed the formation of a joint working group focused on education and awareness, while urging summit organizers to issue a charter that highlights Parliament’s pivotal role.
Inside the House, he noted that lawmakers-particularly the women’s caucus-can be engaged to spur debate in Parliament, guiding discussions toward plausible solutions and steering them toward concrete outcomes.
Highlighting maternal health as a pressing concern, Tarar described the high number of maternal deaths as “criminal negligence,” stressing collective responsibility to protect mothers’ lives.
He warned that infant mortality-now at 50 deaths per 1,000 live births according to UNICEF-must be addressed to resolve broader maternal health challenges.
Tarar also drew attention to neglected issues such as postpartum depression and mental health, calling for recognition of their impact on maternal and child well-being. He noted that while economic constraints limit resources, awareness and responsibility remain paramount.
Pointing to Pakistan’s low female workforce participation compared to regional countries, Tarar urged greater efforts to empower women. He warned that population pressures undermine the most basic human right-the right to life-by sidelining maternal health in a male-dominated society.
He lauded Dawn Media Group for hosting the summit, saying it provided the government an opportunity to acknowledge shortcomings. Raising awareness, he stressed, is a shared responsibility of ulema, government, health organizations, media, civil society, lawyers, and journalists.
Tarar cautioned that Pakistan’s annual population surge-equal to New Zealand’s entire population-is being overshadowed by worsening health indicators. Without parallel investment in healthcare, he warned, unchecked growth is costing the nation countless young lives.
Separately, Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday underlined the need to dispel misconceptions about Pakistan by promoting its true story to a global audience.
“I have always said Pakistan has a great story to tell. We just need to get it out to the right kind of audience, and we need to tell it right,” the Minister said while addressing the National Tourism Awards 2025, organized by Discover Pakistan.
Highlighting the country’s diverse geography, Tarar described Pakistan as a complete package.
He pointed to the spectacular northern areas, home to five of the world’s fourteen highest peaks-including K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I & II, and Broad Peak-as well as the ski slopes of Malam Jabba.
He also highlighted the Shandoor Polo Festival, held at the highest polo ground in the world at an elevation of over 3,000 meters. Beyond nature, the minister emphasized Pakistan’s rich heritage, including the ancient Gandhara civilization and the centuries-old traditions still practiced by the Kalash tribe.
He also drew attention to the golden deserts of Sindh and Balochistan and the massive annual jeep rally in Cholistan.
“Whether it is the highest snow-covered peaks of the north, the golden deserts of the south, or the Gandhara civilization, Pakistan has immense potential,” Tarar remarked.
Concluding his address, the minister announced tangible steps to support the initiative.