Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has assured to provide support and assistance to the relevant ministries to deal with the issues of population and climate change. Addressing an event of Population Council in Islamabad today, he emphasized the importance of integrating these challenges into mainstream policy and ensuring they are prioritized in budgetary planning and resource allocation to tackle them effectively. He said Pakistan cannot fully realize its potential unless it confronts these two existential threats.

According to Radio Pakistan, on the economic front, the Finance Minister said the country is on a good trajectory and is moving from stabilization to growth. The Finance Minister underscored that Pakistan’s long-term economic prospects depend on effectively confronting the dual national challenges of rapid population growth and climate vulnerability.

He also drew attention to the growing trend of rural-to-urban migration and the expansion of informal settlements, where inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions contribute to poor nutrition outcomes and perpetuate child stunting. He encouraged further research on urban vulnerabilities so that national planning can address the full spectrum of demographic and climate-linked challenges.