This consensus emerged at the Media Coalition Meeting hosted by the Population Council in collaboration with UNFPA. Speakers highlighted the media’s critical role in influencing public opinion and shaping development narratives.
“Media professionals are today’s frontline defenders in the battle for sustainable development,” said Dr Ali Mir, Senior Director at the Population Council.
He stressed that population planning is not about numbers but about ensuring every child is born into a supportive environment, with access to dignity, equity, and opportunity. Citing the 1994 ICPD and its reaffirmation at ICPD+25, he urged a lifelong approach to reproductive health, starting with child survival.
Presenting alarming data, Ikram ul Ahad, Deputy Manager at the Population Council, revealed Pakistan’s severe human capital crisis. According to WHO, nearly 675 newborns die daily, and 26 million children are out of school. Around 40% of children under five are stunted, drastically limiting cognitive development. Pakistani children reach only 41% of their potential, compared to 78% in the UK. Regional disparities further compound the crisis: Sindh’s child stunting rate stands at 50%, Balochistan’s primary school attendance is just 22%, and Punjab’s under-five mortality is 80 per 1,000 births.
These challenges are rooted in underinvestment, with Pakistan’s health and education spending falling below global standards and regional neighbors. Yet, hope lies in action. The Pakistan @2050 report indicates that reducing population growth to 1.2% by 2030 could significantly boost GDP, double per capita income, cut the number of out-of-school children to 8%, and triple female post-secondary education.
Participants emphasized that family planning is a driver of progress across all sectors. They called for wider access to modern contraceptives—especially Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) – tax exemptions on contraceptive imports, improved pharmacy availability, and enforcement of Article 25-A guaranteeing free, compulsory education. Gender-responsive budgeting focused on women and children was also underscored.
Dr Ghulam Farid Khan from UNFPA highlighted the media’s power to drive social change, calling family planning essential to achieving sustainable development.
Ali Mazhar Choudhary, Communication Director at the Population Council, urged journalists to continue shaping public perception and turning awareness into action.
The meeting concluded with a unified media pledge; to act as watchdogs, demand accountability, and champion investment in family planning to secure Pakistan’s future and uplift generations to come.
