Quetta: Deputy Manager Communication, Population Council Ikram Ul Ahad has said that measures are being taken to address rapid population growth, which is adversely affecting sectors including economy, health, environment, and education indicators.He shared these views while talking to the reporter.He said that to reduce the rapid population growth and bring it to a sustainable level, implementation of the National Action Plan, formulated under the decisions of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) must be ensured.He said that if the current population growth rate continues, Pakistan would face significant challenges in its economy, education, health, and human resource sectors by 2050.Mr. Ikram Ul Ahad mentioned that the Media Coalition meeting arranged by the Population Council with the contribution of UNFPA a few days ago which was attended by journalists including women from across the country on invitation of the population with the aim to highlight the rapid growth of population.He also emphasi zed the critical need to achieve a balance between population growth and available resources to ensure Pakistan's sustainable progress.'Media can play a vital role in highlighting the challenges posed by rapid population growth through investigative journalism. Particular focus is needed on women's reproductive health and their limited access to family planning services, which remain key areas for attention.', he said.He stressed the urgency of implementing CCI decisions, warning that neglecting these measures would exacerbate Pakistan's existing challenges.Presenting key findings from the Population Council's latest report 'Pakistan @ 2050, he outlined two potential future scenarios for Pakistan. In Scenario 1 (Business-as-usual), if the current population growth continues unchecked, the population would reach approximately 386 million by 2050.He noted that in Scenario 2 (CCI Decisions Implementation), by successfully implementing the Council of Common Interest (CCI) decisions and reducing the growth rate, the population could be limited to 338 million.He said the significant implications of these scenarios, noting that under the current trajectory, Pakistan would require 115 million new jobs by 2050.However, effective implementation of CCI decisions could reduce this demand to 97 million, he said adding that 'In terms of economic growth, if fertility rates are brought down to 2.2%, the GDP growth rate could increase to 5.1%, compared to 3.4% if the current trend continues.He said that additionally, per capita monthly income, which would remain PKR 27,000 under the current situation could rise to PKR 36,000 with effective CCI implementation.He said that decisive and immediate action is essential to achieve sustainable economic and social progress.He maintained that the negative impacts of repeated pregnancies on women's health, which not only affect their lives but also disturb the balance between population and resources.'Rapid population growth exacerbates the effects of climate change, disp roportionately affecting the poor and marginalized segments of society', he added.
Sindh Govt striving to promote sports: Nasir Shah
Karachi: Provincial Minister for Energy, Development and Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Sunday said that the Sindh government was striving to promote sports across the province.
He said this while addressing the closing ceremony of the Sindh Beach Games.
The closing ceremony of the Sindh Beach Games was organized by the Sindh Government Sports Department at the Nishan-e-Pakistan beach in which Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah participated.
On this occasion, Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Secretary Sports Abdul Aleem Lashari handed over the general trophy to Karachi for winning the first position with 14 medals in the Beach Games, while Hyderabad won the second position with 4 medals and Sukkur won the trophy by winning the third position.
Minister Nasir Shah while talking to media at the closing ceremony, said that the Sindh government was trying to promote sports, there is a lot of talent in the youth of Sindh regarding sports.
Nasir Shah added that the provincial government has started the Sindh Premier League, Sindh Junior Premier League to promote sports, in which great talent has been seen. Even then, the youth performed well in the Beach Games, those who lost should work harder.
Nasir Shah congratulated the Sindh Sports Minister for organizing sports activities. On the other hand, more than 500 players from 6 divisions participated in the Sindh Beach Games, which included 8 games.
Medals were distributed among the players who achieved success in throwball, badminton, boxing, handball, volleyball, throwball and other games.
PM Shehbaz Sharif highly appreciates security forces for killing five Khawarij terrorists
Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday highly appreciated security forces for carrying out successful action against 'Fitna-al-Khawarij' terrorists in district Zhob at Pak-Afghan Border. The premier paid tribute to the security forces for killing five 'Khawarij' terrorists. Terrorists were trying to enter Pakistan from across the border. Brave forces of Pakistan were standing like a rock to protect borders, Shehbaz Sharif said and added that entire nation was also standing with the security forces in war against terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said: "We are fully determined to root out all types of terrorism from the country."
PM Shehbaz felicitates team Pakistan on test win against WI
Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Pakistan Men's cricket team on remarkable win against West Indies in the first test of the two-test match rubber at Multan Cricket stadium, Multan. The Men in Green beat the Windies by 127 runs in three days of the first test match and gained an unassailable 1-0 lead in the test series. In his congratulatory message on the social media platform X, the premier wrote, 'Spin to win: Brilliant bowling by team Pakistan! Congratulations to our cricket team on spectacular victory, Shabash (Bravo)!' The premier also commended Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi on his tireless efforts. The Prime Minister extolled bowling performance of off-spinner Sajid Khan who grabbed 9 wickets in the match with a fifer in the second innings. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the nations is proud of the Men in Green, urging the team to continue the good work in the coming matches as well.
Four injured in tractor and rickshaw collision in Chiniot
Islamabad: Four people, including the rickshaw driver, were injured on Sunday in a collision between a tractor and a rickshaw on Jhang Road, Chiniot.
According to a private news channel and rescue sources, the accident happened due to speeding in dense fog.
The injured were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
Lady bank manager dies in Abbottabad road mishap
Peshawar: : In a road mishap in Abbottabad on Sunday, an Alto car fell into a deep ravine, resulting in the death of a woman.
Police said that the incident occurred near Soori Bridge in the jurisdiction of Thana Bagnotar.
A woman, resident of Lower Kehyal and manager of a private bank by profession, succumbed to her injuries after being taken to the hospital.
Upon receiving the information, the rescue medical team immediately reached the site and transferred the injured to the hospital where the woman passed away from her wounds.