World Population Day Zardari, Shehbaz reaffirm commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable growth

On World Population Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable population growth, youth empowerment and human development.

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President Zardari described Pakistan’s youth as the country’s greatest asset. He said investment in education, skills development and employment is vital for long-term national progress.

He also stressed the need to improve maternal and child health. Moreover, he said Pakistan cannot achieve meaningful development without empowering women and expanding equal opportunities.

The president paid tribute to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto for advancing women’s rights. He also called for greater investment in education and healthcare.

Furthermore, Zardari urged the government, parliament, civil society, religious scholars, the media and other institutions to work together. He said collective efforts can turn Pakistan’s demographic potential into lasting prosperity.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was renewing its commitment to responsible population planning. He said this approach would support sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” he said young people will shape Pakistan’s future.

The prime minister noted that Pakistan is the world’s fifth most populous country. He added that more than 65% of its people are under the age of 30.

However, he warned that the annual population growth rate of 2.55% continues to strain education, healthcare, employment, housing, food security, infrastructure and the environment.

Moreover, Shehbaz Sharif said the government had established the National Population Council. The council improves coordination between the federation and provinces. It also oversees the national population programme and supports timely policy decisions.

He added that the government continues to prioritise women’s and girls’ education, healthcare and economic inclusion. It is also expanding equal opportunities across different sectors.

In addition, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme is helping young people develop new skills. The initiative also encourages responsibility and leadership among future generations.

Finally, Shehbaz Sharif called on governments, parliament, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, religious scholars, the media and local communities to work together. He said a united national effort is essential to promote responsible parenthood, gender equality and sustainable development.