On the occasion of World Population Day, the Directorate General Population Welfare of Punjab successfully hosted a major seminar at Faletti’s Hotel in Lahore, highlighting the global theme: “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.” The seminar attracted a diverse gathering including students, youth leaders, academicians, religious scholars, policymakers, development partners, and legislators, all committed to promoting awareness and informed family planning choices among young people.
Keynote speakers at the seminar included prominent government officials and experts, notably Dr. Saira Afzal Tarar, Member National Assembly (MNA) and Coordinator to the Chief Minister; Khawaja Imran Nazir, Minister for Health and Population; Ms. Nadia Saquib, Secretary Health and Population; and Mr. Khalid Parvaiz, Director-General of Population Welfare Punjab. Renowned academicians such as Dr. Muhammad Nizamuddin, Pro-Rector of Superior University, along with distinguished scholars Dr. Shehzad Ahmad Mujaddadi and Dr. Syed Aziz Rab, also addressed the audience. The event was moderated by Mr. Salman ur Rasheed, who oversaw the proceedings and engaged participants throughout the seminar.
The speakers emphasized the role of informed decision-making and youth empowerment in successfully managing family planning and reproductive health initiatives. Discussions were held to underline the importance of creating a supportive and fair environment where young people can make responsible family-planning decisions aligned with their aspirations and well-being.
Organizers expressed sincere gratitude toward the development and implementation partners, highlighting their essential role in making these initiatives successful. Special appreciation was shown to international and local partners including The Challenge Initiative (TCI), GSM, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Population Council. Their continued technical support, strategic collaboration, and active engagement were described as crucial elements contributing significantly towards achieving Punjab’s vision for improved reproductive health services and family planning outcomes across the province.
