On June 15, at a media coalition meeting, policy experts, development practitioners, and journalists emphasised the need for sustained political commitment and adequate financing to address population and development. The event, ti ‘Population Stabilisation and Resource Allocation: Media’s Role in Promoting Accountability,’ was organised by the Population Council in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Dr Ali Mir, Country Director of the Population Council, highlighted the critical importance of health and education funding as essential investments for the future. He pointed out the benefits of culturally sensitive approaches, such as birth spacing, which he noted align with Islamic teachings concerning maternal and child health.
During the meeting, Ikram ul Ahad, Manager of Communication at the Population Council, presented evidence showing a significant gap between demographic trends and public financing priorities. He noted that despite Pakistan’s annual growth rate of about 2.5%, investment in population welfare is minimal compared to other regional nations. Ahad called for using data more effectively to ensure accountability to national commitments, including the Council of Common Interests’ target of reducing fertility to replacement levels. He stressed that family planning is among the most cost-effective public investments, offering clear benefits for health, economic stability, and human development.
Ammar Ali Qureshi, Senior Economic Adviser, provided a macroeconomic perspective, describing population stabilisation not just as a demographic concern but as a macroeconomic necessity. He explained that the country’s declining economic trajectory is influenced by rapid population growth and structural economic challenges. Qureshi emphasised that educating girls and promoting women’s economic participation are crucial for reducing fertility rates and unlocking long-term growth.
Participants from various national and local media outlets discussed governance, financing, and service delivery gaps affecting population and development outcomes. They highlighted the importance of addressing provincial disparities and the limited access to quality health and education services. Participants also discussed the need to tackle social and structural barriers, including empowering women and engaging men in family planning.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of population stabilisation as a cross-cutting national priority with direct implications for economic growth and human development. Calls were made for increased and protected financing for population and social sectors, improved institutional coordination, and a focus on effective service delivery.
