National Fiscal Pact
The stakes are high. The fiscal pact, signed in September 2024, is not just another intergovernmental agreement. It is a structural reform benchmark agreed with the IMF, designed to rationalise federal and provincial expenditure responsibilities, devolve project financing, and ensure policy coherence in taxation. If implemented earnestly, it could improve public finance management and reduce unsustainable federal deficits.
But for such structural reforms to take root, especially under the 18th Amendment, consensus across all federating units is not optional — it is a constitutional necessity.
The exclusion of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the newly-constituted eight-member oversight committee, therefore, would be incomplete both in letter and the spirit of the federal structure. No matter how noble the intent or pressing the deadline, excluding a province from decisions that directly affect its fiscal autonomy weakens national cohesion and risks turning a national reform into a partisan compact.
If the goal is to build consensus on complex issues such as debt burden sharing, development financing, and water security — all of which require delicate negotiation and joint ownership — then leaving out any provincial government could be counterproductive. The committee's terms of reference include preparing budget proposals for both federal and provincial budgets within ten days. How can such input be complete or credible if one province is absent from the table?
The matter becomes even more urgent considering the content of the new IMF staff-level report, which highlights that, starting in FY2026, all new Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects benefiting only one province must be financed directly from provincial budgets. This will inevitably require all provinces — KP included — to shoulder more fiscal responsibility. They deserve a voice in shaping how that responsibility is structured.
There is also the matter of principle. If the Federation intends to pass on a portion of the Rs8.7 trillion debt servicing cost to provinces, as is being quietly discussed, then it must first establish a consensus through mechanisms that are both constitutional and participatory. The 18th Amendment has already redefined the contours of fiscal and administrative authority. Any effort to rebalance burdens and responsibilities must begin with a respect for that framework. Otherwise, not only will the reforms falter, but they will likely invite legal and political pushback that the economy can ill afford.
The committee is also tasked with coordinating the development of critical water infrastructure — an area where KP is a key stakeholder. As Pakistan prepares to counter India's unlawful obstruction of its water share under the Indus Waters Treaty, national unity is vital. Excluding a frontline province from this strategic conversation can be described as a flawed decision, given the real import of the economic challenges facing the country.
If the goal is to demonstrate fiscal discipline and political maturity to the IMF and international partners then the current path risks doing the opposite. The National Fiscal Pact will be judged not by the optics of a high-powered committee, but by the integrity and inclusiveness of its process.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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Circular debt: Pakistan govt moves to cut LNG import, reform gas sector
ISLAMABAD: The government is fine-tuning reforms in the gas sector, including the reduction of two LNG cargoes per month, along with other measures aimed at bringing the circular debt flow of the sector to zero, well-informed sources in Petroleum Division told Business Recorder. Currently, the gas sector's circular debt stands at around Rs 2.6 trillion, mainly due to lower RLNG consumption by the power sector. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has directed the government to eliminate the gas sector's circular debt flow. The fourth meeting of the committee was held on August 8, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Minister for Petroleum at the Task Force Headquarters, Army Air Defence HQ, Westridge, Rawalpindi. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatization, Lt-General Zafar Iqbal, Secretary Petroleum, and representatives of OGRA. IMF delineates steps to address gas circular debt The Petroleum Minister briefed participants on his recent meeting with the Prime Minister, during which the Task Force on Power presented issues arising from reduced LNG off take by the power sector. He emphasized the need for a clear strategy ahead of the planned visit to Qatar. The Minister also updated the forum on the progress made in the previous three committee meetings, where the work of four sub-committees was reviewed: Sub-committee 1–led by the Secretary Power, tasked with making recommendations on LNG demand synchronisation for power plants. This includes improved forecasting and coordination, as well as addressing queries raised earlier regarding Energy Purchase Price (EPP) comparisons between imported coal and RLNG. Sub-committee -2 –progress on the Gas Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP), to be presented by the Advisor to PM on Privatization. Sub-committee 3 led by the Secretary Petroleum Division, focusing on recommendations for the reduction/review of RLNG sale price components and add-ons. Sub-committee 4 headed by the Chairman OGRA, tasked with reviewing components of revenue requirements, particularly the return-on-asset formula for the Sui companies. The progress reported by the conveners of the sub-committees provided is as follows : Sub-Committee-1: LNG Demand Synchronization: Secretary Power noted that based on the discussions held in the third review meeting, options of comparing energy purchase price of imported coal versus RLNG have been prepared. He stated that 50 percent generation from imported coal-based plants is a must off-take, however, less generation is being taken from these plants. He further stated that RLNG based power plants cannot be declared as 'must-run' power plants as the same will have implications on overall power generation basket. He emphasized that a technical level coordination committee needs to be constituted between Power and Petroleum Division to address the issues of RLNG demand and off-take. Naveed Qaiser, a representative of Power Planning & Monitoring Company (PPMC) which has squeezed the roles of PPIB and CPPA-G presented the numbers of imported coal versus RLNG energy purchase price as was asked by the Committee in its 3rd meeting. He said that at current RLNG price power sector is consuming upto 340 mmcfd of RLNG which can have additional consumption of upto 174 mmcfd at RLNG tariff of Rs. 1,500/mmbtu and 127 mmcfd at RLNG tariff of Rs. 2,000/mmbtu respectively. He however, highlighted financial implications on power generation basket in both incremental RLNG usage options of Rs. 88 billion and Rs. 41 billion per annum. Lt-General Zafar Iqbal pointed out that Task Force team has worked out that RLNG at WACOG of Rs. 2,200/mmbtu will manifold increase its consumption in power sector. He emphasized that there is on-going study on conversion of imported coal power plants to local coal and consumption of additional RLNG would, at indicated tariff, be beneficial for both Petroleum and Power sectors. He further explained that country's average demand of power during winters is 12,500 MW whereas same is 25,500 MW in summer when all plants are up and running. He stressed that Power Division may review the numbers of the comparative tariff with imported coal where RLNG intake can increase i.e., replacing the imported coal-based generation. Advisor to PM on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali also emphasized reworking of fuel cost numbers of imported coal versus RLNG in respect of increased consumption of RLNG in power so that demand numbers for LNG cargoes could be firmed. He proposed 24 cargoes be taken into NPD for CY26; Secretary Petroleum proposed extension of contract beyond 2031 was better than NPD route to address the issue of surplus cargoes. =The Committee decided that Secretary Power and Secretary Petroleum will work towards institutionalizing a coordination mechanism on short-term and it would be shared in the next meeting for concurrence of the Committee. The demand goes upto 12,500 MW in winters, in summers when the production goes up to 25,500 MW, all thermal plants are operating. If power substitutes the imported coal, at the RLNG rate of Rs. 2,000/mmbtu price, the Power Division maintained that it could lift 127 mmcfd more and that this analysis may be conducted by Task Force and Power Division on price and additional lift-off. The chair decided that sub-committee-1 firms up its recommendations with task force and submit its final report. Sub-Committee-2: Circular Debt Mitigation: Advisor to PM Privatisation, Muhammad Ali informed that a meeting with KPMG, Task Force team and Petroleum Division has already been held wherein detailed data has been exchanged. He stated that Task Force team is closely working with KPMG to develop options on gas CDMP and same will be presented next week. On the request of Advisor, Asad Hussain of Task Force presented concept paper and basic premise for CDMP work. He highlighted that five cash inflow options for settlement of stock of gas CD which included: (i) savings from LNG cargoes diversion (ii) imposition of PL of Rs. 5/liter (iii) use of incremental dividends of SOEs (E&P companies) (iv) RLNG receivables from power sector and (v) 100 percent waiver of LPS/interest payable to gas producers. He highlighted that Task Force is closely working with KPMG to finalize the gas CDMP. Lt-General Zafar Iqbal observed that 24 surplus cargoes per annum should be taken for contract extension beyond year 2031 third-party sale/ Net Proceed Differential. Secretary Petroleum Division suggested that if power demand increases at reduced RLNG tariff then number of cargoes should be reviewed and confirmed before visit to Qatar. He also proposed IMF sensitivities, Reko Diq commitments and foreign listing (GDR requirement be kept in mind). Lt-General Zafar Iqbal suggested that all cash inflows/revenues especially PL should be ring-fenced for settlement of gas CD. Minister for Petroleum Division also supported the same, citing N-52 formula, however, he observed that utilisation of collections of levy previously granted to Power Division as allowed by Finance Division should be extended to Petroleum Division for settlement of circular debt (as tariff reduction delinked). Representative from KPMG highlighted that auditors of SOE's may also be taken on board with specific reference to IAS-39. On the apprehension of committee at projected cash flows of SOEs and dividends without hurting their future investments in important projects like Reko Diq, Advisor to PM suggested that KPMG and Asad Hussain develop the working in the CDMP. Minister for Petroleum Division recommended that Additional Secretary (Policy) and Asad Naqvi, KPMG and CEOs of the companies discuss the proposed scheme to be discussed in the next meeting. He emphasized that CEOs/CFOs of the SOEs must satisfy the committee on the above stated matters. Sub-Committee-3: LNG Tariff Rationalization : Secretary Petroleum Division highlighted that sub-committee is working on RLNG cost components which include the PQA charges and a meeting in this regard is scheduled with PQA. He stated that numbers are being firmed up and would be presented in next meeting of the committee. He highlighted that with respect to scope of the sub-committee regarding LNG demand increase, a case has been moved for relaxation of moratorium in respect of pending and new individual gas connection applications. Minister for Petroleum Division observed that since option of a reduction of LNG cargoes is on the cards, therefore, optimum utilization of terminals needs to be worked out for cost reduction. It was noted that the option of shelving of 2 LNG cargoes per month working done so far takes into account the optimal combination for terminal capacity utilization which comprises of regasification of 3 LNG cargoes at terminal-1 and 4 LNG cargoes at terminal -2. Minister for Petroleum advised that sub-committee holds meeting(s) and finalizes its recommendations early next week. Sub-Committee-4: Domestic Gas Tariff Efficiency and Transparency: Chairman OGRA, being lead of this sub-committee made a presentation on the work done by the committee so far. He highlighted that for the review of the key component of the revenue requirement i.e, Return on Asset (RoA), OGRA has issued Letter of Intent (LoI) to selected consultant who will submit study/report within 90 days. He stated although the cost of gas alone is 89% of the total revenue requirements and there is little room for squeezing the cost components, however, OGRA is objectively reviewing the other components like fixed/ variable costs, T&D costs especially HR benchmarking. He informed that Sui Companies demonstrated improvement in their UFG against OGRA approved benchmark. He informed that as per the UFG study done in year 2018 through KPMG, UFG benchmark of 7.6 percent was fixed for a period of 5 years which comprises of 5 percent technical allowance and 2.6 percent based on meeting 30 Key Monitoring Indicators. He stated that digitization of gas flow stations like Sale Meter Station, Town Border Station and Consumer Meter Station is giving real-time information to companies and helping isolate the loss-making areas. Minister for Petroleum Division observed that in-line with licence condition of the Sui companies, the UFG targets need to be reviewed periodically. He also enquired after the UFG study done in 2018 which was valid until 2023, on how OGRA is benchmarking UFG targets thereafter. OGRA Chairman responded that earlier OGRA used to apply benchmark on both T&D UFG, however, now that practice was discontinued in FY23 and UFG targets are set separately for transmission and distributions segments. It was noted that OGRA is considering to do a new study on UFG benchmarking which would take 6-8 months' time. Minister for Petroleum Division advised that new UFG study be completed by OGRA by November 30, 2025. He also stressed upon the need that sub-committee should make recommendations at review of revenue requirements on quantitative basis (instead of qualitative basis) keeping materiality of report before the next meeting of the committee. Insiders claim that the Power sector Task Force has done extensive work on the issue of excess gas in the country and how to resolve RLNG supply issue. The officials also confirmed that senior members of the Task Force made a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister and senior government ministers and officials on roadmap for RLNG cargoes and ways to reduce gas prices for industry and power sector. Sources say this was aimed at improving energy security by increasing use of domestic gas and increasing exports through reduction of gas price for industry and power. Among various measures proposed, the RLNG ring-fencing mechanism was suggested to be done away with and having one blended gas price for industry and power. The final report will be submitted to the Prime Minister's Office as per Notification of the Committee. It was advised that meeting of the main committee may be held at on August 18, 2025 (today) at Head Quarters of Task on Power, Rawalpindi. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Circular debt: Govt moves to cut LNG import, reform gas sector
ISLAMABAD: The government is fine-tuning reforms in the gas sector, including the reduction of two LNG cargoes per month, along with other measures aimed at bringing the circular debt flow of the sector to zero, well-informed sources in Petroleum Division told Business Recorder. Currently, the gas sector's circular debt stands at around Rs 2.6 trillion, mainly due to lower RLNG consumption by the power sector. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has directed the government to eliminate the gas sector's circular debt flow. The fourth meeting of the committee was held on August 8, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Minister for Petroleum at the Task Force Headquarters, Army Air Defence HQ, Westridge, Rawalpindi. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatization, Lt-General Zafar Iqbal, Secretary Petroleum, and representatives of OGRA. IMF delineates steps to address gas circular debt The Petroleum Minister briefed participants on his recent meeting with the Prime Minister, during which the Task Force on Power presented issues arising from reduced LNG off take by the power sector. He emphasized the need for a clear strategy ahead of the planned visit to Qatar. The Minister also updated the forum on the progress made in the previous three committee meetings, where the work of four sub-committees was reviewed: Sub-committee 1–led by the Secretary Power, tasked with making recommendations on LNG demand synchronisation for power plants. This includes improved forecasting and coordination, as well as addressing queries raised earlier regarding Energy Purchase Price (EPP) comparisons between imported coal and RLNG. Sub-committee -2 –progress on the Gas Circular Debt Management Plan (CDMP), to be presented by the Advisor to PM on Privatization. Sub-committee 3 led by the Secretary Petroleum Division, focusing on recommendations for the reduction/review of RLNG sale price components and add-ons. Sub-committee 4 headed by the Chairman OGRA, tasked with reviewing components of revenue requirements, particularly the return-on-asset formula for the Sui companies. The progress reported by the conveners of the sub-committees provided is as follows : Sub-Committee-1: LNG Demand Synchronization: Secretary Power noted that based on the discussions held in the third review meeting, options of comparing energy purchase price of imported coal versus RLNG have been prepared. He stated that 50 percent generation from imported coal-based plants is a must off-take, however, less generation is being taken from these plants. He further stated that RLNG based power plants cannot be declared as 'must-run' power plants as the same will have implications on overall power generation basket. He emphasized that a technical level coordination committee needs to be constituted between Power and Petroleum Division to address the issues of RLNG demand and off-take. Naveed Qaiser, a representative of Power Planning & Monitoring Company (PPMC) which has squeezed the roles of PPIB and CPPA-G presented the numbers of imported coal versus RLNG energy purchase price as was asked by the Committee in its 3rd meeting. He said that at current RLNG price power sector is consuming upto 340 mmcfd of RLNG which can have additional consumption of upto 174 mmcfd at RLNG tariff of Rs. 1,500/mmbtu and 127 mmcfd at RLNG tariff of Rs. 2,000/mmbtu respectively. He however, highlighted financial implications on power generation basket in both incremental RLNG usage options of Rs. 88 billion and Rs. 41 billion per annum. Lt-General Zafar Iqbal pointed out that Task Force team has worked out that RLNG at WACOG of Rs. 2,200/mmbtu will manifold increase its consumption in power sector. He emphasized that there is on-going study on conversion of imported coal power plants to local coal and consumption of additional RLNG would, at indicated tariff, be beneficial for both Petroleum and Power sectors. He further explained that country's average demand of power during winters is 12,500 MW whereas same is 25,500 MW in summer when all plants are up and running. He stressed that Power Division may review the numbers of the comparative tariff with imported coal where RLNG intake can increase i.e., replacing the imported coal-based generation. Advisor to PM on Privatisation, Muhammad Ali also emphasized reworking of fuel cost numbers of imported coal versus RLNG in respect of increased consumption of RLNG in power so that demand numbers for LNG cargoes could be firmed. He proposed 24 cargoes be taken into NPD for CY26; Secretary Petroleum proposed extension of contract beyond 2031 was better than NPD route to address the issue of surplus cargoes. =The Committee decided that Secretary Power and Secretary Petroleum will work towards institutionalizing a coordination mechanism on short-term and it would be shared in the next meeting for concurrence of the Committee. The demand goes upto 12,500 MW in winters, in summers when the production goes up to 25,500 MW, all thermal plants are operating. If power substitutes the imported coal, at the RLNG rate of Rs. 2,000/mmbtu price, the Power Division maintained that it could lift 127 mmcfd more and that this analysis may be conducted by Task Force and Power Division on price and additional lift-off. The chair decided that sub-committee-1 firms up its recommendations with task force and submit its final report. Sub-Committee-2: Circular Debt Mitigation: Advisor to PM Privatisation, Muhammad Ali informed that a meeting with KPMG, Task Force team and Petroleum Division has already been held wherein detailed data has been exchanged. He stated that Task Force team is closely working with KPMG to develop options on gas CDMP and same will be presented next week. On the request of Advisor, Asad Hussain of Task Force presented concept paper and basic premise for CDMP work. He highlighted that five cash inflow options for settlement of stock of gas CD which included: (i) savings from LNG cargoes diversion (ii) imposition of PL of Rs. 5/liter (iii) use of incremental dividends of SOEs (E&P companies) (iv) RLNG receivables from power sector and (v) 100 percent waiver of LPS/interest payable to gas producers. He highlighted that Task Force is closely working with KPMG to finalize the gas CDMP. Lt-General Zafar Iqbal observed that 24 surplus cargoes per annum should be taken for contract extension beyond year 2031 third-party sale/ Net Proceed Differential. Secretary Petroleum Division suggested that if power demand increases at reduced RLNG tariff then number of cargoes should be reviewed and confirmed before visit to Qatar. He also proposed IMF sensitivities, Reko Diq commitments and foreign listing (GDR requirement be kept in mind). Lt-General Zafar Iqbal suggested that all cash inflows/revenues especially PL should be ring-fenced for settlement of gas CD. Minister for Petroleum Division also supported the same, citing N-52 formula, however, he observed that utilisation of collections of levy previously granted to Power Division as allowed by Finance Division should be extended to Petroleum Division for settlement of circular debt (as tariff reduction delinked). Representative from KPMG highlighted that auditors of SOE's may also be taken on board with specific reference to IAS-39. On the apprehension of committee at projected cash flows of SOEs and dividends without hurting their future investments in important projects like Reko Diq, Advisor to PM suggested that KPMG and Asad Hussain develop the working in the CDMP. Minister for Petroleum Division recommended that Additional Secretary (Policy) and Asad Naqvi, KPMG and CEOs of the companies discuss the proposed scheme to be discussed in the next meeting. He emphasized that CEOs/CFOs of the SOEs must satisfy the committee on the above stated matters. Sub-Committee-3: LNG Tariff Rationalization : Secretary Petroleum Division highlighted that sub-committee is working on RLNG cost components which include the PQA charges and a meeting in this regard is scheduled with PQA. He stated that numbers are being firmed up and would be presented in next meeting of the committee. He highlighted that with respect to scope of the sub-committee regarding LNG demand increase, a case has been moved for relaxation of moratorium in respect of pending and new individual gas connection applications. Minister for Petroleum Division observed that since option of a reduction of LNG cargoes is on the cards, therefore, optimum utilization of terminals needs to be worked out for cost reduction. It was noted that the option of shelving of 2 LNG cargoes per month working done so far takes into account the optimal combination for terminal capacity utilization which comprises of regasification of 3 LNG cargoes at terminal-1 and 4 LNG cargoes at terminal -2. Minister for Petroleum advised that sub-committee holds meeting(s) and finalizes its recommendations early next week. Sub-Committee-4: Domestic Gas Tariff Efficiency and Transparency: Chairman OGRA, being lead of this sub-committee made a presentation on the work done by the committee so far. He highlighted that for the review of the key component of the revenue requirement i.e, Return on Asset (RoA), OGRA has issued Letter of Intent (LoI) to selected consultant who will submit study/report within 90 days. He stated although the cost of gas alone is 89% of the total revenue requirements and there is little room for squeezing the cost components, however, OGRA is objectively reviewing the other components like fixed/ variable costs, T&D costs especially HR benchmarking. He informed that Sui Companies demonstrated improvement in their UFG against OGRA approved benchmark. He informed that as per the UFG study done in year 2018 through KPMG, UFG benchmark of 7.6 percent was fixed for a period of 5 years which comprises of 5 percent technical allowance and 2.6 percent based on meeting 30 Key Monitoring Indicators. He stated that digitization of gas flow stations like Sale Meter Station, Town Border Station and Consumer Meter Station is giving real-time information to companies and helping isolate the loss-making areas. Minister for Petroleum Division observed that in-line with licence condition of the Sui companies, the UFG targets need to be reviewed periodically. He also enquired after the UFG study done in 2018 which was valid until 2023, on how OGRA is benchmarking UFG targets thereafter. OGRA Chairman responded that earlier OGRA used to apply benchmark on both T&D UFG, however, now that practice was discontinued in FY23 and UFG targets are set separately for transmission and distributions segments. It was noted that OGRA is considering to do a new study on UFG benchmarking which would take 6-8 months' time. Minister for Petroleum Division advised that new UFG study be completed by OGRA by November 30, 2025. He also stressed upon the need that sub-committee should make recommendations at review of revenue requirements on quantitative basis (instead of qualitative basis) keeping materiality of report before the next meeting of the committee. Insiders claim that the Power sector Task Force has done extensive work on the issue of excess gas in the country and how to resolve RLNG supply issue. The officials also confirmed that senior members of the Task Force made a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister and senior government ministers and officials on roadmap for RLNG cargoes and ways to reduce gas prices for industry and power sector. Sources say this was aimed at improving energy security by increasing use of domestic gas and increasing exports through reduction of gas price for industry and power. Among various measures proposed, the RLNG ring-fencing mechanism was suggested to be done away with and having one blended gas price for industry and power. The final report will be submitted to the Prime Minister's Office as per Notification of the Committee. It was advised that meeting of the main committee may be held at on August 18, 2025 (today) at Head Quarters of Task on Power, Rawalpindi. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Growing population challenge
EDITORIAL: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent remarks at a high-level meeting, describing Pakistan's annual population growth rate of 2.55 percent as an 'alarming trend,' are timely. However, they also shine a light on years of policy inaction. While population planning is a provincial subject post the 18th Amendment, the ramifications of such rapid growth are national in scope, spanning healthcare, education, food security, social services, and, most crucially, unemployment. In his address, the Prime Minister called for the formation of a committee to draft a national policy on population control, collaborating with provincial governments, and urged the establishment of a coordinated federal-provincial framework. This recognition of the issue is important, but his concern would carry more weight had he demonstrated similar urgency during his two terms as chief minister of Punjab — the country's most populous province. Sceptics point out that little was done at the provincial level during that time to curb population growth. However, the situation across other provinces is no different either. One of the most critical consequences of unchecked population growth is increasing unemployment. Each year, millions are added to Pakistan's population, and while a youthful demographic can be an asset, the economy struggles to keep pace. With the labour force increasing by 3 percent annually, the economy simply cannot absorb the sheer number of people entering the job market. As a result, unemployment continues to rise, while frustration among young people fuels social unrest, crime, and a growing sense of hopelessness. Resistance from religious groups is often cited as a key reason behind the lack of a strong national population control programme. Yet, Pakistan could learn valuable lessons from other Muslim-majority countries that have successfully tackled this issue. Bangladesh, with similar cultural and religious dynamics, has brought its total fertility rate at 2.1 percent, a rate considered to be at or near the replacement level. Through investments in women's education, the deployment of community health workers, widespread availability of contraceptives, and support from local religious leaders, Bangladesh has demonstrated that population control can be both feasible and socially acceptable in conservative societies. Similarly, Iran offers another compelling case. In the late 1980s, the country faced a population boom but responded with a comprehensive family planning campaign, including free contraceptives, mandatory pre-marriage counselling, and close collaboration with religious authorities. These efforts have resulted in a dramatic reduction in the population growth rate, which currently stands at just 1.2 percent. A key factor behind the success of both countries has been the prioritisation of education — particularly for girls and women. Education is, without a doubt, the most effective form of population control. Educated women tend to have fewer children, marry later, and make informed decisions about family planning, while striving to secure better futures for their families. In contrast, Pakistan's embarrassingly low literacy rates, persistent gender gaps in schooling, and cultural and infrastructural barriers continue to pose major obstacles. To address the population explosion effectively, Prime Minister Sharif, together with provincial governments, should now follow through with a national strategy that includes substantial investments in girls' education, improved access to reproductive healthcare, and coordinated awareness campaigns. These efforts should also engage religious scholars and local communities to create a shared support for the issue. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
