World Population Day is being observed today (Friday) across the world, including Pakistan.
This year’s theme, “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” highlights the vital role of youth in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
Organized annually by the United Nations, World Population Day emphasizes the importance of empowering young people—aged 10 to 24—to make informed choices about their reproductive health, family planning, and their futures. As the world’s youth population reaches approximately 1.8 billion, addressing their needs and aspirations is crucial amid current global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and demographic shifts.
Since its inception in 1987, marking the milestone of five billion people on Earth, World Population Day has served as a reminder of the importance of sustainable development, human rights, and gender equality. The day, established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to foster policies and actions that support youth empowerment, reproductive rights, and inclusive growth.
Pakistan’s Population and Future Outlook
Pakistan, currently home to approximately 255.2 million people—about 3.1% of the world’s population—is the fifth most populous country.
The nation is projected to become the third most populous country by 2050, with estimates indicating the population will exceed 380 million. The country’s fertility rate is expected to decline further to 2.5 by 2054, reflecting ongoing demographic shifts.
As Pakistan approaches a pivotal demographic milestone, experts emphasize the importance of policies that empower youth and promote sustainable development to manage the country’s growing population effectively.
