Day: July 12, 2026

Islamabad: With young people facing growing challenges ranging from unemployment and climate vulnerability to limited opportunities to participate in public decision-making, a new EUR 1.2 million initiative co-funded by the European Union aimed to equip the next generation with the skills, opportunities and leadership needed to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Pakistan.

Launched in Lahore and Karachi, the project MANZIL (Youth Leadership Transforming Communities for Inclusive Economic Growth, Climate Action and Good Governance) will directly support approximately 4,000 vulnerable young women and men and strengthen 40 youth-led organizations across Rawalpindi, Lahore, Mirpurkhas and Sanghar.

The initiative is designed to help young people move beyond being beneficiaries of development programmes to becoming entrepreneurs, climate champions, community leaders and active partners in local governance, said a press release.

Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest youth populations, presenting both a significant opportunity and a pressing development challenge. While young people possess the energy and potential to drive economic growth and social progress, many continue to face barriers to employment, entrepreneurship, civic participation and access to resources.

At the same time, climate change is placing increasing pressure on livelihoods and communities, particularly in vulnerable districts. MANZIL responds to these interconnected challenges by investing in youth as drivers of long-term resilience and inclusive development.

Financially supported by the European Union, the initiative is being implemented by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) in partnership with Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP) and Shirakat Foundation.

MANZIL will help young people develop market-relevant skills, establish and expand livelihoods, strengthen leadership capacities and design locally led climate solutions that address challenges within their own communities. The programme will also strengthen youth-led organisations so they can deliver sustainable development initiatives, mobilise communities and engage constructively with public institutions long after the project concludes.

Recognising that inclusive development requires inclusive participation, MANZIL places particular emphasis on ensuring opportunities for women and girls, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, faith minorities and young people from historically marginalised communities.

Speaking at the launch, representatives highlighted that investing in youth is essential to Pakistan’s future prosperity and resilience.

Dr. Sebastien Lorion, Acting Head of Cooperation, the European Union Delegation in Pakistan said, ‘European Union proudly supports MANZIL. When young people have a voice, opportunities and recognition, societies become more innovative, more resilient and more just. And in Pakistan, this matters enormously. This is a country with extraordinary youth potential.’

Stephen Kent, County Director, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) said, “MANZIL is built on the belief that young people are not simply beneficiaries of development, they are leaders, innovators and partners in creating lasting change. By strengthening their skills, organizations and connections with public institutions, we are investing in solutions that will continue benefiting communities well beyond the life of this project.”

The initiative adopts an integrated approach that combines entrepreneurship development, leadership and management training, climate resilience, organisational strengthening and youth-led community action. It will also facilitate stronger collaboration between young people, civil society organisations and relevant government institutions to improve dialogue, encourage inclusive decision-making and create an enabling environment for youth leadership.

Building on partnerships and community engagement structures established through previous initiatives, MANZIL seeks to strengthen local ownership and institutional capacity, ensuring that youth-led organisations continue contributing to inclusive governance, climate resilience and local economic development after the project ends.

By investing in young people’s ideas, leadership and potential today, MANZIL aims to create stronger local institutions, more resilient communities and greater economic opportunities for the next generation, demonstrating that empowering youth is not only a social investment, but a strategic investment in Pakistan’s future.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, Saturday, extended felicitations to the President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the Government and the people of Mongolia on their National Day.

‘In his message, the President highlighted that this occasion commemorates Mongolia’s proud history, rich cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of its people.

He noted that the Naadam Festival, renowned for its traditional sports of wrestling, archery and horse racing, beautifully reflects Mongolia’s vibrant civilization and the deep pride of its people,’ President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.

President Zardari said that Pakistan and Mongolia enjoyed warm and cordial relations founded on mutual trust, shared values and cooperation at regional and multilateral fora.

He emphasised that growing collaboration in trade and commerce, agriculture, capacity building and people-to-people exchanges reflects the positive momentum in their bilateral relations.

The president expressed his firm confidence that the friendship between the two countries would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead, guided by shared aspirations for peace, amity and sustainable development.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engr Amir Muqam, has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of the eldest son of Ali Akbar, Joint Secretary of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council.

The minister prayed for the departed soul, asking Allah Almighty to grant him forgiveness, elevate his ranks, and bless him with the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, said a statement issued here.

He prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased His mercy and bestow patience and resilience upon the bereaved family as they cope with this tragic loss.

Islamabad: As upbeat music echoes through a modest dedicated gym in Thanda Pani, a rural community on the outskirts of Islamabad, a line of young women take turns lifting weights and running on treadmills. It is an image that would have been almost unimaginable in the area just a few years ago.

For decades, gyms in Pakistan were largely perceived as male domains. Today, that perception is steadily changing. From major cities to semi-urban communities, women are increasingly carving out time, not for work, family, or studies, but for themselves.

This shift is backed by data; according to Smartscraper, Islamabad boasted 225 gyms by April 2026, a 7.08 percent increase since 2023, highlighting a skyrocketing demand for fitness facilities.

Islamabad reportedly hosts around 2,000 health and fitness facilities, a massive footprint that reflects how deeply a culture of active living has taken root.

Gym owners are at the front lines of this transformation, adapting to a surge in female registrations. Farzana Amin, the owner of Ladies Fitness Club, Shaheen Town, recalled the rapid evolution of her own business when speaking to reporter.

“In the beginning, only 10 to 15 women used to come to the gym regularly. Within a few months, our membership increased to around 60 to 65 women,” Farzana shared.

She noted that she purposefully opened a ladies-only gym after observing that many women wanted to improve their health but felt hesitant in co-gender facilities. “My aim was to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where women could exercise with confidence.”

The demographic of women reclaiming their health spans all generations. Mussarat Shaheen, a housewife, talking to reporter admitted she never envisioned herself working out at this stage of her life. “Most of my time was spent taking care of my family, and I often ignored my own health,” Shaheen said. “With age, I realized that staying active is important for my energy. Fitness is not only for young people; everyone can make positive changes at any age.”

For younger, working professionals, the motivations are equally deep. Sana Khan, a regular gym-goer, found solace in the gym after battling fatigue from long office hours and an inactive lifestyle. “I started going to the gym to improve my health and energy levels, not just to change my appearance,” Khan explained. “I believe consistency is more important than following extreme diets.”

While the culture is thriving, it brings modern psychological challenges, heavily fueled by digital spaces. University students and young girls note that while social media first introduced them to fitness routines, it presents a double-edged sword.

Gym member Zarmeena Ali observed that digital platforms increase awareness but simultaneously manifest toxic standards. “Social media creates pressure to achieve unrealistic body goals,” Zarmeena said. “People join gyms with the expectation of quick results, but fitness requires patience and dedication. It is a long-term commitment, not a temporary trend.”

Mehmoona Khalid, an Islamabad-based gym instructor, echoed these concerns to reporter. She revealed that a large part of her job now involves managing expectations and dismantling the allure of shortcuts.

“Young girls mostly aim to become healthier, stronger, and more confident,” Mehmoona explained. “While some initially join to lose weight before a wedding, they eventually realize regular exercise improves mental health and overall quality of life.” She strongly discourages these shortcuts. “Sustainable fitness is achieved through consistency, strength training, cardio, and realistic goals rather than excessive exercise,” she explained to reporter.

The rush for quick results has triggered a worrying trend of extreme dieting, prompting urgent warnings from medical experts. Speaking to reporter, physician Dr. Ghulam Fareed Soomro highlighted the severe physiological toll of overly restrictive eating patterns.

“Crash dieting causes immediate fatigue, muscle loss, and weakened immunity,” Dr. Soomro warned. “Long-term, it risks hormonal imbalances, bone loss, and severe nutritional deficiencies in iron, protein, and vital vitamins like B12 and D.”

Nutritionist Dr. Sumaira Naseem clarified that doctors only recommend highly restrictive diets under strict professional supervision for specific medical situations, such as severe pre-surgery obesity. For cosmetic weight loss, she warns it is outright dangerous, noting that adults should generally never drop below 1,200 calories per day.

“Quick results are neither realistic nor healthy,” Dr. Sumaira told reporter. “Gym claims of losing 10 to 15 kg in a month are often just marketing tactics. The biggest mistake women make is copying someone else’s diet plan or completely cutting out carbohydrates and healthy fats. Every woman has different nutritional needs based on her age, lifestyle, and evolving physical capabilities.”

‘Workouts must be age-appropriate to protect joints and bones, while cautioning against strenuous exercise during illness or extreme monsoon humidity without proper hydration’ Dr Sumaira warned.

Compared to developed nations where daily exercise is normalized, Pakistan is still in the early stages of building a widespread fitness culture. However, if this momentum continues, backed by qualified trainers, proper nutrition, and community support, this shift will become far more than a passing trend. Instead, it marks the beginning of a healthier, more active nation where investing in personal well-being is no longer a luxury, but an essential part of everyday life.

Islamabad: Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday said that World Population Day highlighted the importance of investing in young people and creating opportunities that enable them to realize their full potential.

Referring to this year’s theme, ‘Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future,’ he stressed that empowering youth is essential for Pakistan’s sustainable development and prosperity.

In his message, the Chairman Senate noted that Pakistan’s large youth population represents a valuable national asset.

He said that with quality education, healthcare, skills development, and employment opportunities, the country’s young people could become a driving force for economic growth and social progress.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani observed that rapid population growth continues to place pressure on education, healthcare, employment, water resources, and other public services.

He emphasized the need for effective population management, greater awareness of family planning, improved maternal and child health services, and sustained investment in human capital.

The Chairman Senate reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting policies that promote population stabilization, youth empowerment, gender equality, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He called for collective efforts by all stakeholders to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for Pakistan’s younger generations.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing Pakistan’s population challenge through coordinated, evidence-based and whole-of-government action, saying the country’s future would depend on the quality, productivity and preparedness of its people rather than the size of its population.

In a message issued on World Population Day, observed this year under the theme “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people, today and for the future,” the minister said Pakistan’s large youth population was both a national asset and a major policy responsibility.

He said Pakistan’s population should be viewed as human capital to be developed rather than a burden to be managed, adding that investments in health, nutrition, education, skills development and women’s empowerment would translate into greater productivity, resilience and prosperity.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan had made progress in reducing fertility, with the total fertility rate declining from 4.1 births per woman in 2006-07 to 3.6 in 2017-18, a figure reaffirmed by the latest Household Integrated Economic Survey 2024-25.

However, he said the pace of decline remained insufficient to meet the country’s development requirements.

He noted that Pakistan’s population had reached 241.49 million according to the 2023 Digital Census, growing at an annual rate of 2.55 percent, and could exceed 386 million by 2050 if current trends continued, placing enormous pressure on education, healthcare, housing, employment, water resources, food security, infrastructure and public finances.

The minister said population outcomes were fundamentally linked with governance, adding that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, responsibilities related to fertility, health, education and social protection had become dispersed across different tiers of government.

He said Pakistan had not lacked population policies but rather an effective mechanism to align all stakeholders under a single national framework, describing the establishment of the National Population Council as a major governance reform.

Ahsan Iqbal said the Council, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, brought together provincial governments, the leadership of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, key federal ministers and the military leadership to provide the country’s highest-level forum on population issues.

He said the Council would ensure coordinated policymaking and implementation by translating demographic evidence into integrated national action instead of fragmented programmes.

The minister said population stabilisation was only the starting point for securing a demographic dividend.

He stressed that Pakistan still had an opportunity to convert its youthful population into an engine of economic growth by expanding family planning services, improving maternal and reproductive healthcare, keeping girls in school, increasing women’s participation in the labour force, enhancing skills development and creating productive employment opportunities.

Warning against policy delays, he said every year of inaction narrowed the country’s window for achieving a demographic dividend and increased future fiscal and social pressures.

He also underscored the importance of gender equality, saying women’s education, economic participation and decision-making regarding family size were among the strongest drivers of sustainable population stabilisation and long-term development.

Referring to the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative, Ahsan Iqbal said population management remained a key priority under the Equity and Empowerment pillar, which focuses on women, children, youth, education, health and human capital development.

“Our greatest strength is our people, and our greatest responsibility is to invest in their future. Population management is not about limiting people; it is about expanding opportunity. Every child deserves quality education, good health, proper nutrition and a fair chance to realise his or her full potential,” he said.

On the occasion of World Population Day, the minister called upon the federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, media, religious scholars and local communities to support a shared national effort based on responsible parenthood, informed decision-making, women’s empowerment, youth development and sustainable growth.

He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and through a whole-of-state approach, Pakistan would successfully transform its demographic challenge into stronger human capital, greater prosperity and long-term national stability.