ISLAMABAD – The government has placed stunting reduction and population management among its highest national priorities, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced, stressing that these challenges directly impact Pakistan’s future growth and human development.
Highlighting concerns over rising malnutrition and slowing progress in human development indicators, the minister said that Pakistan can no longer afford delays in addressing stunted growth, food insecurity, and rapid population expansion. He noted that stunting affects both physical and cognitive development, ultimately weakening the country’s economic potential.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasised that effective population management is essential for sustainable development, adding that the government is strengthening coordination with the provinces to accelerate related initiatives. “Improving human development outcomes is not optional—it is fundamental to Pakistan’s long-term prosperity,” he said.
The Planning Minister further highlighted the need for renewed partnerships, integrated planning, and greater investment in nutrition programmes, maternal and child health, and awareness campaigns to curb stunting. Officials reiterated that the government aims to ensure better data monitoring, stronger community-level interventions, and increased accountability for development projects.
The announcement reflects a push to bring Pakistan’s human development indicators in line with regional benchmarks, with authorities warning that failure to prioritise these issues could deepen socio-economic challenges in the years ahead.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
