The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination organized a national consultative meeting on the Draft National Population Stabilization Program (NPSP) 2026-35, developed with the support of the Ministry of Finance, according to an official information today.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, Economic Affairs Division, United Nations agencies, international development partners, the Population Council, and other key stakeholders.
In his statement, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal said that population stabilisation is not merely a policy option but a national imperative for Pakistan’s economic survival, social development, and future prosperity. He emphasized that political commitment, inter-provincial harmony, and strong resource mobilization are key components required to translate the plan into tangible outcomes on the ground.
He further stated that Pakistan remains a signatory to the principles of the Paris Declaration, and that the Draft NPSP reflects these principles as a country-owned, evidence-based, and results-driven framework developed after careful consideration of national priorities, demographic realities, and international best practices. Kamal added that family planning is the gateway to Universal Health Coverage and that without it, Pakistan cannot achieve maternal and child health goals, gender equality, or poverty reduction.
The minister also acknowledged the long-standing technical and financial support of development partners, including UNFPA, WHO, FCDO, GAVI, ADB, and the World Bank, and expressed gratitude for their continued partnership in strengthening Pakistan’s health and population sectors over the years.
On the occasion, Adnan Pasha presented a comprehensive demographic outlook of the country. He informed participants that Pakistan’s population is on a trajectory of unprecedented growth and is projected to reach 390 million by 2050 under the current trend. He noted that the country stands at a critical demographic juncture and warned that, under the existing trajectory, it will face immense pressure on finite resources, including water, food, housing, education, and health infrastructure.
The development partners also shared their policy statements and reiterated their commitment to supporting the population agenda in Pakistan. They emphasized that both federal and provincial governments should take the lead in advancing the population agenda through the media, academia, civil society organizations, INGOs/NGOs, and the private sector.
The participants shared their expert views on improving population stabilization strategies.