Islamabad: Pakistan is set to mobilize 10 million young people as social awareness ambassadors under the URAAN Pakistan initiative, announced Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a multi-sectoral dialogue on accelerating nutrition and early childhood development, the Minister highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges posed by rapid population growth, inadequate nutrition, and child health as part of a national development agenda.

According to Press Information Department, Professor Iqbal emphasized the necessity for an integrated approach in tackling maternal and child health issues, which are intrinsically linked with nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. He pointed out that nearly 40 percent of Pakistani children suffer from stunted growth, a critical national challenge. The Minister reinforced the importance of investing in the health, education, and development of youth to ensure a capable and creative generation by 2047, marking Pakistan’s centennial of independence.

He underscored the importance of policy continuity and effective implementation, urging a shared national commitment to overcome these challenges. The initiative under URAAN Pakistan aims to harness the potential of the youth in raising awareness on critical social issues, thereby fostering positive change at the community level. The dialogue included participants such as the UNICEF Country Director, Planning Commission members, and representatives from both federal and provincial institutions, who discussed strategies for coordinated action to improve nutrition and early childhood development across the nation.