Islamabad: (RightNow) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared the rapid population growth a major challenge for the country. He emphasized making population control measures a national duty.

The Prime Minister has ordered the preparation of the National Stabilization Plan 2026-2035, considering population balance as a guarantee for sustainable development. The meeting also stressed improving coordination with provinces.

The Prime Minister directed aligning population planning with national development, economic stability, and human resource improvement. He also emphasized the importance of an effective public awareness campaign.

He has ordered an early meeting of the National Population Council to devise a comprehensive population welfare strategy. The meeting will include chief ministers of all provinces and other stakeholders.

It is noteworthy that the operating procedure for the National Population Council Secretariat has been prepared, and work on the National Stabilization Plan 2026-2035 is ongoing.