PROVINCE REPORT
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Speakers at a seminar held to mark World Population Day on Saturday stressed the need for responsible family planning, youth empowerment and balanced population growth to ensure sustainable development.
The seminar, organised by the District Population Welfare Department, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Adnan Khan as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Khan said the district administration would extend full support to the Population Welfare Department in resolving its operational issues. He said the real challenge was not population alone but the shortage of resources, and stressed the need for proper planning to secure a better future for children. He also urged parents and society to guide young people and give due importance to their aspirations.
District Health Officer Dr Syed Mohammad Khan praised the department’s services and said religious scholars should be actively engaged in raising awareness about family welfare.
District Deputy Demographer Naeem Khattak said this year’s World Population Day theme focused on turning young people’s hopes and aspirations into reality. He noted that Pakistan’s annual population growth rate stood at 2.55 per cent, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s growth rate was lower than that of several other provinces. He also briefed participants on population welfare services and demographic indicators in Dera Ismail Khan.
District Welfare Officer Nizamuddin Mehsud welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of investing in youth education, skills and a supportive environment. He said maintaining a balance between population growth and available resources was essential for sustainable development.
A walk was also held at the conclusion of the seminar to raise awareness about population-related issues.
