The World Population Day is observed every year under the auspices of the United Nations to highlight the consequences of rapid population and its implications for socio-economic development.
This year the day has a special relevance for Pakistan in particular and for the developing countries in general, as it falls midway of the landmark resolve made at the International Conference for Population and Development (ICPD) held at Cairo in 1994, which charted a comprehensive twenty years Programme of Action to address population and development issues by 2015.
Pakistan, being a signatory to the recommendations of the Conference, has adopted the ICPD paradigm in letter and spirit. The population policy 2002 and "Interim Population Sector Plan 2012" focus on bringing down population growth to 1.9 in 2004 and reduction in fertility to 4.1 during the same period.
The Population Welfare Programme strives to make family planning and reproductive health services available to all households of the country under a broader approach with emphasis on reduction in infant, child and maternal modality.
In fact, the population issue is being approached in conjunction with other social sector initiatives, which focus on universal education, health for all, women development and empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes. Together, these will provide a conducive environment and enlightened outlook for brining about a positive change in the quality of life of the people.
The government attaches the highest priority to the population cause and our commitment is reflected in the resource allocation to the sector. Nevertheless, this is a collective cause for economic progress and well-being of the people today, and for the future generations as well.
The government, the private sector, civil society and the communities are all stakeholders in this gigantic task whose efforts will bear fruit in the form of social and economic progress of the country.
I take the opportunity to request all partners in the society to support and promote enlightened understanding of the benefit of small families.
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