By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed serious concern over the rapid rise in Pakistan’s population, calling it a major threat to the country’s already strained resources. In her message on the occasion of World Population Day, she emphasized that unchecked population growth is a root cause of many economic and social challenges.
“Burden of population can become a huge threat for a country’s resources,” said the Chief Minister. She noted that the increasing population has been directly linked to rising poverty, child labor, poor healthcare systems, limited educational opportunities, and food insecurity across the country.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, CM Maryam Nawaz said, “It is feared that the available resources will be enough to meet the country’s needs just for a few decades.” She stressed that unless decisive action is taken, Pakistan could face a serious crisis of sustainability in the near future.
She further stated that while the country must also combat climate change, tackling population growth is equally vital for national development. “Pakistan can accelerate the pace of development by combating climate change and increasing population,” she remarked, indicating that a dual focus is essential for long-term progress.
Madam Chief Minister also underlined the importance of aligning population size with resource availability. “Before ensuring the provision of health and education facilities in different areas, the ratio of population and available resources should be kept in mind,” she said.
World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, aims to raise awareness about global population issues. CM Maryam Nawaz’s message underscores the critical need for population planning and resource management to secure Pakistan’s future.
The provincial government is expected to launch awareness campaigns and strengthen family planning initiatives to address the issue.
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