Balancing population growth and resources is essential for steering Pakistan towards sustainable development, and the role of media in achieving this balance is vital.
This was highlighted at the Media Coalition Meeting organized by the Population Council in collaboration with UNFPA, attended by journalists from across Pakistan.
Dr. Ali Mir, Senior Director of the Population Council, emphasized that implementing decisions made by the Council of Common Interest (CCI) is critical to address the rapid population growth.
He warned that if the current situation persists, Pakistan could face severe challenges in the economy, education, and healthcare sectors by 2050.
Dr. Saima Bashir, Manager of Research at the Population Council, presented findings from the report “Pakistan @2050”.
She explained that if the population continues to grow unchecked, it will reach 386 million by 2050.
However, with proper implementation of CCI decisions, this figure can be limited to 338 million.
She further noted that controlling fertility rates to 2.2% could boost GDP growth to 5.1%, compared to 3.4% under the current trajectory.
Additionally, per capita monthly income could rise to PKR 36,000, compared to PKR 27,000 if no action is taken.
Ikram Ul Ahad, Deputy Manager Communication at the Population Council, stated that rapid population growth adversely impacts the economy, health, and environment, particularly affecting women’s health and exacerbating climate change effects on vulnerable communities.
The participating journalists reaffirmed their commitment to evidence-based reporting to raise awareness about sustainable population growth and its implications for Pakistan’s future.
