PR No. 111: Ahsan Iqbal Calls for NFC Reforms to Encourage Population Control : Isla

Ahsan Iqbal has proposed introducing incentives for provinces that successfully control population growth under the NFC Award, emphasizing that encouraging balanced population growth is essential for Pakistan's sustainable development and economic stability. Addressing the launching ceremony of the National and Provincial Population Projections 2023-2050 in Islamabad, the Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said that uncontrolled population growth has become a major challenge for sustainable development, economic progress, and effective utilization of national resources. He warned that if the current growth rate continues, Pakistan's population could reach between 370 to 400 million by 2050, placing immense pressure on health, education, employment, water, food, and other basic services. The Minister stressed that 82 percent of resource distribution under the NFC Award is linked to population share; therefore, reforms are needed in the system to encourage provinces to adopt responsible population management policies. He said that currently there is no effective incentive for provinces to reduce population growth rates, adding that provinces demonstrating improvement in population management should be rewarded with additional incentives and recognition. Ahsan Iqbal stated that Pakistan is planning its future for the first time on the basis of a digital population census, and the newly launched population projections would serve as a vital milestone for national policymaking, equitable resource distribution, and future development planning. He remarked that population is not merely a statistical issue but a core national concern directly linked with economic growth, human development, education, healthcare, employment, and national security. The Federal Minister said that the survival of the universe itself depends upon balance, moderation, and harmony, principles that are also emphasized in Islam. He clarified that population balance is not a religious debate but a matter of national survival, human development, and the wellbeing of future generations. He warned that if population growth continues to outpace resources, the country's available resources would become increasingly strained, directly affecting the quality of life of citizens. Expressing concern, he noted that Pakistan's population growth rate is now being compared with some of the world's least developed countries, which is alarming for a nuclear state. He added that while the government previously believed population growth was slowing, the 2023 census revealed a far more alarming situation. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that Pakistan must focus not merely on increasing population numbers but on developing an educated, skilled, healthy, and productive human capital base. He said that nearly 40 percent of children in Pakistan suffer from malnutrition and stunted growth because many parents lack the resources to provide adequate care. He termed the situation a "national emergency" and stressed the urgent need to restore balance between population growth and available resources. He further stated that by 2050, Pakistan's population under the age of 18 could increase from 117 million to 140 million, while the working-age population may rise from 135 million to 255 million. He emphasized that if provided with quality education, skills, healthcare, and employment opportunities, this growing youth population could become a major demographic dividend for Pakistan. The Minister said the population projections would serve as the demographic foundation for Uraan Pakistan, Vision 2035, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), future Five-Year Plans, and upcoming NFC deliberations. He added that the government is committed to data-driven governance and is utilizing modern technology and artificial intelligence to ensure effective planning according to future national needs. He noted that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the population sector was devolved to the provinces; therefore, provincial governments now carry the primary responsibility for implementing practical and effective population management measures. He reiterated his proposal that reforms in the NFC Award should incentivize provinces showing measurable improvements in population stabilization. The Federal Minister also urged the media, researchers, experts, and civil society to play an active role in creating public awareness regarding population management, human development, and sustainable resource utilization. He warned that unchecked population growth could become a "social bomb" and a major obstacle in achieving Pakistan's economic goals. He cautioned that if current trends continue, Pakistan may produce only unskilled labor instead of a highly trained and productive workforce in the future. Concluding his address, Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government's commitment to working with provincial governments to ensure balanced population growth, human development, and sustainable use of resources in order to build a stronger, balanced, and prosperous Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal, members of the Planning Commission, representatives of United Nations Population Fund including Dr. Gulnara Kadyrkulova, senior officials of the National Institute of Population Studies, government officers, experts, researchers, civil society representatives, and representatives of the media.