Addressing Population Growth and Economic Development in Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has highlighted the need for urgent action to address Pakistan's annual population growth rate of 2.55 percent, describing it as an alarming trend that demands immediate and coordinated policy measures at the national level. The prime minister emphasized that this growing population, particularly its youthful segment, must be transformed into a productive asset for the country’s economic development.
During a high-level meeting convened at the Prime Minister’s Office, the government reviewed the challenges posed by the rising population and discussed strategies to manage it effectively. The meeting aimed to explore comprehensive planning initiatives that would ensure young people become integral parts of the economy. The prime minister stressed that the youth are not only the future of the nation but also its most valuable resource. He underscored the importance of creating opportunities that enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
In addition to focusing on youth empowerment, PM Shehbaz emphasized the critical role of women in the workforce. He noted that women make up a significant portion of the country’s human capital and called for greater employment opportunities for them. To this end, the prime minister instructed the formation of a committee tasked with developing a comprehensive and effective national policy on population management, in collaboration with provincial governments. He urged a unified and strategic approach, calling for a coordinated federal-provincial framework to tackle population-related issues.
The prime minister also advocated for launching a nationwide awareness campaign to educate citizens about the implications of unchecked population growth, especially in relation to sustainable economic development. This initiative aims to foster a broader understanding of how population dynamics impact the country’s long-term prosperity.
During the meeting, officials presented various proposals and recommendations aimed at managing population growth. They emphasized that any long-term solution would require active participation from provincial governments and engagement at the grassroots level. The meeting was attended by several key figures, including Federal Minister for Planning and Development Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Education Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, and senior officials from relevant institutions.
Economic Progress and Export Growth
In addition to addressing population concerns, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the recent performance of Pakistan’s exports. He noted that exports reached $2.7 billion in the first month of the new fiscal year, marking a significant increase compared to previous periods. Specifically, exports rose by 17 percent from July last year to July this year, with a nine percent increase observed within just one month. This growth is seen as a positive indicator for the country’s economic health.
The prime minister attributed this progress to the government’s prudent economic policies and efforts. He highlighted that economic indicators are showing improvement and moving in the right direction. PM Shehbaz commended the work of the government’s economic team, emphasizing their commitment to increasing exports, promoting investment, and fostering a business-friendly environment.
He also mentioned the implementation of the faceless customs assessment system, which has improved port operations. Additionally, the ratio of tax collection to GDP has been satisfactory, reflecting the government’s efforts to strengthen the financial sector. The improvement in Pakistan’s credit ratings by international financial institutions and the record bullish trends in the Pakistan Stock Exchange further indicate the country’s economic stability.
PM Shehbaz also reiterated the government’s focus on facilitating overseas Pakistanis to enhance remittances, recognizing their crucial role in supporting the national economy. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to ensure sustained economic growth and stability.