Islamabad: The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (M/o NHSR&C) observed World Population Day on July 11 this year to raise awareness of population issues and promote solutions that lead to a sustainable future.
The seminar was organized by the Ministry of Health, Regulation and Coordination. The seminar was attended by federal and provincial ministers, diplomats, implementing partners, representatives of NGOs and NGOs, development partners and the media.
Prime Minister’s Coordinator for National Regulation and Coordination of Health Services, Dr. Mukhtar Malik, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said World Population Day is dedicated to raising awareness of population issues and promoting solutions that lead us to a sustainable future. This year’s theme, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Just Future for All,” underscores the critical role of comprehensive and accessible data in shaping effective population policies. It is a call to action to harness the power of data, incorporate various demographic and socioeconomic factors into our analysis, and create strategies that address the needs of all segments of our society.
Federal Secretary for Health Nadeem Mahbub emphasized at the seminar that in light of the challenges and opportunities presented by our growing population, it is important to recognize the significant progress we have made. According to the National Action Plan, the establishment of federal and provincial population task forces reflects the highest commitment to population management. Other important achievements include expanding the provision of family planning services by involving health departments; and better allocation of funds. The national story of the ‘Tawazun’ population reflects Pakistan’s commitment to voluntary rights-based parenthood. MoNHSR&C is playing its role in revising the existing National Population Action Plan (2019-24) in consultation with provinces, regions and other stakeholders.
The revised National Population Action Plan (2025-30) aims to achieve the goals of a contraceptive prevalence rate of 60%, a total fertility rate of 2.2% and a population growth rate of 1.1 by 2030.
Director General (Population Program Wing), Dr. Shabana Saleem, as the host of the seminar, welcomed all the participants. She highlighted the role of the Population Program Wing of the Ministry of Health, Regulation and Coordination in coordinating national and international efforts to advance the population welfare and development agenda in Pakistan. She said the ministry had made significant progress, developing the National Population Action Plan (2019-2024) in consultation with provinces, regions and other public and private sector stakeholders. We are now leading the five-year update of the National Plan to reflect the new baseline and meet the targets of a contraceptive prevalence rate of 60%, fertility reduction to 2.2 and population growth to 1.1 by 2030.
Dr. Hafiz Ikram-ul-Haq, Secretary of the Council of Islamic Ideology highlighted the national population story of “Tawazun” in the light of Islamic teachings.
