Islamabad: Pakistan, currently the fifth most populous country in the world with a population of 241 million, observed World Population Day on July 11, focusing on sustainable population management and raising awareness of related challenges.

According to Press Information Department, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, emphasized the importance of addressing Pakistan’s rapid population growth, projected to reach 263 million by 2030 and 383 million by 2050. This growth presents significant challenges to national development and resource management. World Population Day, observed globally on July 11, commemorates the date in 1987 when the world’s population reached five billion. This year’s theme, “Embracing the power of inclusive data towards a resilient and equitable future for all,” highlights the role of comprehensive data in fostering resilient and equitable growth.

The National Action Plan on Population, guided by decisions from the Council of Common Interests since 2019, serves as a roadmap for federal and provincial governments working towards sustainable population rates. The establishment of federal and provincial task forces on population underlines the government’s commitment to effective population management.

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination has organized a seminar on July 11, 2024, at the Best Western Premier in Islamabad. The event will bring together federal and provincial ministers, diplomats, NGOs, INGOs, development partners, and media representatives. The seminar will feature key speeches from the Coordinator to the PM on Health as the Chief Guest and the Federal Secretary for Health as the keynote speaker, along with messages from UNFPA representatives and various high commissioners and ambassadors.