Pakistan seeks unified population strategy to boost jobs, human capital

October 13, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan needs a coordinated national strategy to address rapid population growth and strengthen human capital through improvements in healthcare, education and employment, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said.

Speaking at the World Bank’s roundtable on “Transforming Demographic Transition into Human Capital Gains and Job Creation” on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the importance of translating demographic challenges into opportunities for sustainable economic development.

Drawing lessons from Indonesia, Bangladesh and Iran, he identified women’s education, greater participation in the workforce and engagement with religious leaders to promote birth spacing as key areas requiring attention.

He also highlighted the establishment of a National Population Council under the leadership of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for stronger coordination between federal and provincial governments, sustained political commitment and measurable targets to align existing initiatives within a unified national framework.

Muhammad Aurangzeb further stressed that Pakistan’s ability to benefit from its demographic dividend depends on developing a skilled workforce and encouraging private-sector-led economic growth to generate employment opportunities.

He identified freelancing, information technology-enabled services and digital skills as potential drivers of higher youth incomes and export growth, underscoring the need to integrate population management with policies covering health, education and job creation.

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