President Dr. Arif Alvi says the government is working in various directions to check excessive population growth in the country.

Addressing the launch of Parliamentary Forum on Population in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said the task force on population being headed by himself is taking various steps to control overpopulation.

The President said they are encouraging for birth spacing and breast feeding for better health of mother and child.  He said delivery of contraceptives across the country and their manufacturing in the country can prove helpful in controlling overpopulation.

He pointed out that media, advertisements, dramas, talk-shows and role of the Ulema and parliamentarians as major vehicles in checking population growth.

The President emphasized on better utilization of the youth bulge through education and employment in the country.

Leader of the House in the Senate Shibli Faraz has expressed the confidence that the parliamentary forum launched today will frame effective strategies with the backing of the parliament to deal with the issue of population growth.

He said all the stakeholders should work in synergy and use all the tools to overcome this daunting challenge.

Shibli Faraz said we need to work hand in hand to bring sustainable prosperity to our people.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said this parliamentary forum is the first institutional step to promote the cause of population. He said Pakistan's population will double by 2050 with the highest growth rate of 2.4 percent. He said this is the largest issue which pertains to the future of the country.

He regretted that the issue was neglected in the past. He said this is a national issue and it has to be tackled through a holistic manner.

Chairman of Council of Islamic Ideology Qibla Ayaz said we will work together to raise awareness regarding the population problem.

Zahid/Abid