ISLAMABAD: Parliamentarians on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution on population stabilisation and vowed to table it in the National Assembly.

They were attending the 13th meeting of the Parliamentary Forum on Population (PFP), held at the Parliament House, which brought together parliamentarians from across party lines.

The resolution will be formally tabled in the Assembly, marking a pivotal step toward aligning Pakistan’s population growth with its broader development and sustainability objectives.

The meeting was organised by the Population Council in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

In her keynote address, Chairperson of the PFP, Senator Sherry Rehman, underscored the urgency of addressing Pakistan’s population challenge, stating, “Parliamentary support for population stabilisation is not optional—it is essential if we are serious about taking this country forward. By bringing the PFP into Parliament, we have ensured political ownership and accountability.”

She called rapid population growth “a ticking timebomb” that was straining resources and threatening not only health and education indicators but also the prosperity and well-being of every Pakistani family.

Senator Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, reflected on the persistent nature of the population challenge.

He highlighted the sustainable development indicators and emphasised gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, he noted, “Pakistan ranks 137th out of 166 countries on the SDG Index, with alarming indicators in maternal and child health, education, and access to clean water.

This is not just a crisis of numbers—it is a crisis of rights. Sustainable population growth is a development imperative.”

Dr Zeba Sathar, Country Director of the Population Council, welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of political ownership in addressing population challenges.

“This forum reflects cross-party consensus and a shared realisation of the urgency to bring our population growth to sustainable levels,” she said. She also urged parliamentarians to lead the charge in legislation, policymaking, and public awareness. “Family planning must be integrated into social protection programs like BISP, Mamta, and Agosh to ensure equitable access and long-term development,” she stated.

Dr Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA Country Representative, commended the Forum’s leadership and its potential to drive transformative change.

“This forum can become a true champion for sustainable population growth in Pakistan, with the power to steer the country toward economic stability and inclusive development by galvanising political will,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2025