Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan aims to halve its population growth rate by 2035 under a new national strategy. He described rapid population growth as the country’s biggest challenge and called it a national priority. The plan seeks to support economic stability and sustainable development.
Chairing a high-level population welfare meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister directed officials to immediately convene the National Population Council. The meeting will include provincial chief ministers, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir leaders. Key stakeholders will help finalise a comprehensive national population strategy.
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Officials briefed the prime minister on preparations for the National Population Council session. They said operating procedures for the council’s secretariat had been completed. The government is also preparing the National Stabilization Plan 2026-2035.
According to officials, the proposed framework aims to reduce Pakistan’s population growth rate from 2.55% to 1.25% by 2035. The strategy will focus on healthcare, education, youth development and vocational training. It also seeks to expand women’s participation in the labour force.
Additionally, the government plans to link several federal social protection programmes with population welfare compliance. Therefore, officials believe stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities will improve implementation. Public awareness campaigns will also form a key part of the strategy.
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Shehbaz stressed that population planning must align with national development and human resource growth. He called for greater cooperation among all stakeholders to achieve long-term objectives. The prime minister said sustainable population management was essential for Pakistan’s future prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other senior officials also participated. The National Population Council is expected to meet soon to finalise the strategy.