Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has underscored the importance of balanced population growth as a cornerstone for Pakistan’s sustainable development and economic stability. Speaking at the launch of the National and Provincial Population Projections 2023-2050, Iqbal proposed creating incentives for provinces that effectively manage population growth through the NFC Award.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister warned that the country’s population could surge to between 370 to 400 million by 2050 if current growth rates persist. This could exert significant pressure on critical sectors such as health, education, employment, water, food, and basic services. Iqbal pointed out the absence of effective incentives for provinces to curb population growth rates and suggested that provinces making progress in population management should receive additional recognition and incentives.

Iqbal stressed the need to focus not just on population numbers but on cultivating an educated, skilled, healthy, and productive workforce. He noted the government’s commitment to data-driven governance and the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence for effective future planning. The Planning Minister reiterated that reforms in the NFC Award should reward provinces that achieve tangible improvements in population stabilization.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to collaborating with provincial authorities to ensure balanced population growth and sustainable resource use, aiming to build a more prosperous Pakistan.