ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Population Fund has warned that Pakistan’s entry into 2026 as the world’s fifth most populous country demands urgent, strategic action on population dynamics. With the population exceeding 225 million, UNFPA said high fertility rates, persistent gender inequality, and increasing climate vulnerability continue to intensify development pressures across the country.
In a statement, UNFPA Pakistan stressed that policymakers must stop viewing population growth as a burden. Instead, the agency argued, the country should treat its population as a powerful driver of sustainable and inclusive development. According to UNFPA, this shift in perspective has become critical as demographic trends increasingly shape economic stability, social cohesion, and climate resilience.
Moreover, the agency noted that current realities require stronger alignment between population policies and long-term national planning. As Pakistan moves closer to 2026, UNFPA called for population considerations to play a more central role in fiscal and development frameworks.
Rethinking planning and provincial incentives
Looking ahead, UNFPA urged authorities to rethink how population indicators influence national planning and financing, particularly within the National Finance Commission formula. Rather than relying mainly on population size, the agency proposed a forward-looking approach that rewards provinces for measurable progress in key human development areas.
Specifically, UNFPA recommended linking fiscal incentives to improvements in gender equality, climate resilience, balanced population outcomes, and the quality of health and education services. Such a model, the agency said, would encourage accountability, promote innovation, and better connect population policy with real improvements in people’s lives. Consequently, provinces would gain stronger motivation to invest in women, youth, and underserved communities.
At the same time, UNFPA called for the full implementation of recommendations issued by the Council of Common Interests. The agency emphasized the need for clear accountability mechanisms, defined timelines, and sustained domestic financing. Strong population data and evidence-based planning, it added, must support these efforts to ensure measurable results.
Persistent challenges demand attention
Despite some progress, UNFPA acknowledged that serious challenges remain. High maternal mortality, unmet demand for family planning, early marriages, and widespread gender-based violence continue to affect millions. In addition, unequal access to quality reproductive health services, especially in remote and marginalized areas, deepens social and economic disparities.
UNFPA warned that these unresolved issues directly contribute to stalled fertility decline and uneven development outcomes. Therefore, the agency urged coordinated action at federal and provincial levels to address these gaps before demographic pressures further strain Pakistan’s resources.
