Pakistan Leaders Advocate for Responsible Parenthood on World Population Day

On July 11, 2025, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need for responsible parenthood and family planning to address the nation’s growing population, which has surpassed 242 million. Their statements coincided with World Population Day, an observance initiated by the United Nations Development Programme in 1989 to highlight critical population issues and their connections to environmental and developmental challenges.

In his address, President Zardari conveyed that unchecked population growth poses significant obstacles to national development. He stated, “When community leaders, elders, and civil society organizations promote the benefits of responsible parenthood and support access to family planning, societal attitudes begin to change.” He highlighted the role of media in raising awareness and influencing public behavior, asserting that education and empowerment for women are crucial in making informed family choices.

Zardari proposed that the theme of this year’s observance — empowering young people to create their desired families in a fair and hopeful world — reflects Pakistan's demographic realities. He warned that the pressures of population growth exacerbate issues such as unemployment, environmental degradation, and strained healthcare and educational systems. He urged for enhanced access to quality family planning services, particularly in rural areas, and stressed the necessity for a balanced approach that harmonizes population growth with the availability of resources.

Additionally, he called for the integration of family planning into primary healthcare systems and the promotion of reproductive health through community outreach, alongside employing trained female health workers to facilitate these initiatives at the grassroots level.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, asserting his government’s commitment to a rights-based population agenda that emphasizes equitable healthcare access and informed family planning. He remarked, “With approximately 65 percent of our population under the age of 30, Pakistan is at a pivotal moment in its history.” He recognized the potential of the youth as a driving force for innovation and productivity but cautioned that managing such a large population imposes considerable pressure on public resources and governance.

Sharif implored all stakeholders—ranging from federal and provincial governments to civil society and religious leaders—to collectively commit to addressing population challenges to foster a healthier, more prosperous future for Pakistan. He noted that achieving stability in population growth requires a cohesive, multi-sectoral approach aligned with Pakistan’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.

In summary, the calls from President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif on World Population Day reflect a growing recognition in Pakistan of the critical need for responsible family planning and population management strategies. As the country grapples with its demographic challenges, the emphasis on education, healthcare access, and community involvement will be pivotal in shaping a sustainable future for its burgeoning population.