The ?Pakistan Population Summit? ? a national dialogue on restoring balance and building sustainable futures ? has begun in Islamabad to emphasise the need to recognise population planning as an investment in the country?s development.

Organised by DawnMedia, the two-day summit will bring toge?ther politicians, economists, development specialists, private sector leaders, and experts to develop a shared vision as the rising population continues to place pressure on health systems, food and water security, and employment.

Pakistan, with a population of over 241 million, is the fifth most populous country in the world, adding four to five million people every year. Its population growth rate of 2.40 per cent is the highest in South Asia.

The rapid increase is outpacing employment opportunities, with official statistics showing the country will require 104m jobs by 2040. Pakistan will not be able to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 if the current trajectory of population growth does not slow down.

View the full agenda here.

10:25am ? Guests are seated ahead of moot

With the summit set to begin shortly, guests are seated at the venue as they look forward to a day of constructive discussions.