UNFPA Calls for Rethinking Pakistan’s Population Trends Ahead of 2026
Rapid growth, gender inequality, and climate risks demand population-focused planning for sustainable development
United Ntaion, Dec 31 : The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged Pakistan to reassess its population trends as the country approaches 2026 as the world’s fifth most populous nation. With the population now exceeding 225 million, rapid population growth, high fertility rates, entrenched gender inequality, and rising climate vulnerability underscore the need for urgent, strategic action, Dawn reported.
UNFPA emphasized that population should not be viewed as a burden but as a driver for sustainable and inclusive development. “These realities underscore the need to view population not as a burden but as a strategic driver of sustainable and inclusive development,” the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.
Paradigm Shift in National Planning
Looking ahead, UNFPA called for a fundamental shift in how population factors are integrated into national planning and financing frameworks, including the National Finance Commission (NFC) formula. The agency recommended rewarding provinces for measurable progress in gender equality, climate resilience, balanced population outcomes, and improvements in health and education quality—rather than merely population size. Such reforms would align fiscal incentives with human development outcomes, promote innovation and accountability, and turn population policy into tangible benefits for communities.
Implementation of Key Recommendations
The agency stressed the importance of implementing the Council of Common Interests’ recommendations, including clear accountability mechanisms, defined timelines, sustained domestic financing, and evidence-based planning supported by robust population data, Dawn reported.
Persistent Challenges Remain
Despite progress, significant challenges persist. High maternal mortality, unmet family planning needs, early marriages, gender based violence, and unequal access to reproductive health services particularly in remote areas remain critical issues. UNFPA warned that these challenges are closely linked to stalled fertility declines and uneven development outcomes across the country.
