National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed serious concerns over Pakistan’s rapidly growing population, warning that it is placing an immense strain on national resources, hindering sustainable development, and creating significant obstacles in providing quality education, healthcare, employment, and basic services to citizens. He emphasized the critical importance of comprehensive awareness campaigns and collective action from the government, public representatives, civil society, and media in addressing this urgent national issue.
In a message issued in connection with World Population Day, which is observed internationally under the auspices of the United Nations, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq stated that sustainable development, poverty eradication, and social stability cannot be realized unless Pakistan achieves balanced population growth. Drawing attention to the severe consequences of unchecked demographic expansion, he emphasized the immediate need for effective intervention to manage the country’s increasing population.
Quoting data provided by the World Health Organization and the United Nations, the Speaker noted with concern that Pakistan ranks among nations with the highest population growth rates. He called for proactive measures to manage this sobering demographic reality, reaffirming the Parliament’s commitment to addressing this issue through targeted legislation aimed at achieving demographic stability.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq called upon provincial authorities, political parties, public representatives, religious scholars, civil society organizations, and media stakeholders to join hands in generating greater public awareness about the repercussions of rapid population growth. He underscored the responsibility of all segments of society to work collaboratively toward solutions.
Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah highlighted the importance of balanced demographic growth as a cornerstone for not only economic growth but also for ensuring equitable access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and dignified employment. Emphasizing the need for forward-thinking policies, he urged policymakers and institutional planners to develop sustainable strategies that adequately respond to future demands and effectively confront the challenges posed by rapid population expansion.
