The federal government has established the National Population Council, appointing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as its chairman to oversee policy-making and institutional coordination on population-related issues across the country.
A notification issued by the government said the council will develop a sustainable national strategy to address Pakistan's growing population.
High-level representation
According to the notification, the council will include the Chief of Defence Forces, chief ministers of all four provinces, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Federal ministers for finance, planning, health, education, law, information and religious affairs have also been named as members.
Focus on population policy
The council has been tasked with formulating an effective and sustainable policy to address population growth and strengthen institutional coordination on population-related matters.
It will also work to build national consensus and increase public awareness and support for population management initiatives.
The newly formed body will coordinate population-related measures between the federal and provincial governments to ensure a unified national approach.
The notification added that religious scholars, civil society organisations and the private sector will also be engaged in efforts to support population-related initiatives.
