LAHORE: Punjab has become the first province in Pakistan to adopt the National Population Council Declaration, pledging to strengthen population management through improved education, technical training and employment opportunities.
Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo announced the development during a meeting with a delegation of the National Population Council, emphasising the need to transform the country’s growing population into a productive national asset through effective planning and investment in human development.
He further said population management was a matter of critical importance requiring immediate attention, warning that unchecked population growth could make it increasingly difficult to address other socio-economic challenges.
The delegation, led by Dr Shabana Haider, Member of the Population Planning Commission of Pakistan, briefed the meeting on key population-related challenges, emerging demographic trends and relevant policy issues.
The additional chief secretary stressed the need for practical measures to improve public welfare and utilise the country’s human resources for sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of data sharing and stronger coordination between federal and provincial institutions for effective formulation of population policies.
To strengthen institutional cooperation, he directed the health and education departments to immediately nominate focal persons to coordinate with the National Population Council. Secretary Health Dr Nadia Saqib, Deputy Secretary Staff Hira Yousaf and other relevant officials also attended the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments