ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), marking World Population Day, has released a report calling on Pakistan to place young people at the centre of its future planning.
According to the report, Pakistan’s population has reached around 25.72 crore, or 257.2 million, while one-third of the population is between the ages of 10 and 24.
The report said 76 per cent of respondents in Pakistan expressed optimism about the future. However, around 53 per cent said they were worried because of war, security concerns, financial difficulties, inequality, and risks linked to health and the environment.
It also noted that young people in rural areas, particularly girls, are unable to realise their aspirations due to lack of internet access and digital facilities. The report called for effective steps to end child marriages.
This year’s World Population Day theme is “Fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of young people — today and for the future”. In line with the theme, UNFPA released a new global report titled “Lives, Choices and Futures: What young people want and what influences their decisions on relationships and parenthood”. The report is based on responses from more than 100,000 internet users aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries and is described as one of the largest bodies of evidence on how young people make reproductive choices.
The findings also showed a gap between desired and actual number of children in Pakistan. Women in Pakistan have, on average, 1.8 children but want 2.5, while men have 2.5 children but want 3.4. Men expressed a desire for more children than women.
Among people aged 35 to 39 in Pakistan, 30 per cent have no children, and 65 per cent of them want children, the report said.
Speaking at a press conference, UNFPA Representative Dr Luay Shabane said investment in education, health, nutrition and young people was essential for Pakistan’s bright and stable future.
He said access to external markets and investment in skills would increase income and savings, improving living standards and overall prosperity. He stressed the need for human resource development and opportunities for young people to use their abilities.
Dr Shabane said education is the foundation of development, prosperity and a strong future, adding that investment in youth is the guarantee of Pakistan’s bright and stable future.
The UNFPA said World Population Day is a reminder that Pakistan’s future will be determined not only by population trends but by the quality of decisions made today. It said it remains committed to working with the Government of Pakistan and other institutions to build a future where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person can realise their potential.
