NIPST&R leads Population Projections Exercise (2023–2050)

The National Institute of Population Studies, Training and Research (NIPST&R) with the technical and financial support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), led the Population Projections Exercise (2023–2050) to provide updated and evidence-based population estimates at both national and provincial levels

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th May, 2026) The National Institute of Population Studies, Training and Research (NIPST&R) with the technical and financial support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), led the Population Projections Exercise (2023–2050) to provide updated and evidence-based population estimates at both national and provincial levels

Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal and Federal Minister for Planning, Dr. Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the National Institute of Population Studies, Training and Research (NIPST&R), which has led the Population Projections Exercise (2023–2050) with professionalism, technical rigor, and a strong sense of national responsibility, said a press release on Tuesday.

NIPST&R is an attached department working under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR&C), which serves as national organization for demographic research, training, and population-based analysis, it said.

Ahsan Iqbal particularly acknowledged the guidance and leadership of Mrs. Samina A. Hasan, Executive Director, NIPST&R, for the successful completion of this exercise of national importance. He commended the dedicated efforts of the core team of NIPST&R, especially Ms. Rabia Zafar, Director and Technical Working Group (TWG) for its valuable oversight and expert input.

He further acknowledged the contributions of the Sub-Committee of the TWG, headed by Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Arif, along with its esteemed members; Dr.

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Mehtab Karim, Dr. Tauseef Ahmed, Dr. Durre Nayab, Dr. Saima Bashir, Mr. Hussain Ahmed, Muqaddar Shah, and Ms. Farah Ashraf whose expert review and guidance ensured the technical soundness and credibility of the projections.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for its continued technical and financial support, particularly acknowledged Dr. Luay Shabaney, Country Representative, UNFPA without whose support this national exercise would not have been possible.

Building on this evidence-based foundation, the latest population projections draw directly on the findings of the 2023 Population and Housing Census. According to the census, Pakistan’s total population stands at 241.86 million. The projections before us today present two possible futures for our nation, based on different fertility trends.

Slow Decline Scenario which reflects the continuation of current fertility trends, showing population growth if existing patterns persist.

Rapid Decline Scenario which illustrates the potential outcome if effective policies and interventions are implemented to accelerate fertility reduction, leading to a more balanced population growth i.e., assuming accelerated fertility reduction (0.5 lower than slow decline).

These scenarios are not just numbers, they represent the people we serve, the families who depend on our health system, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our nation’s wellbeing.