Islamabad:President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has highlighted the challenges posed by rapid population growth leading to water scarcity, urging stakeholders to collaborate in addressing this critical issue.
On the occasion of World Population Day, President Asif Ali Zardari noted that Pakistan’s population has grown by 2.55% according to the 2023 census, projecting estimates of 263 million by 2030 and 383 million by 2050. He emphasized the need to understand the social and economic impacts of this rapid demographic expansion.
“We must comprehend the implications of rapid population growth on our society and economy,” stated President Zardari, highlighting that the majority of Pakistan’s population consists of youth who possess immense potential to lead the nation towards prosperity.
President Zardari underscored the importance of enhancing youth access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities to harness their capabilities effectively.
Addressing the imbalance between resources and population size, President Zardari cautioned that Pakistan faces challenges in managing its increasing population and the consequent strain on water resources. He pointed out that while Pakistan had abundant water during its independence, rapid population growth has led to water scarcity issues.
Furthermore, President Zardari mentioned that agricultural lands are being converted into residential areas due to population growth, calling upon all stakeholders to cooperate in tackling these challenges effectively.
He emphasized the significance of data availability for informed decision-making and effective policy formulation, stressing that informed decisions based on data can lead to impactful policies addressing the challenges posed by increasing population.
