The future of Pakistan is intricately tied to its ability to manage its population and resources effectively. With a population exceeding 240 million, the country faces enormous challenges, especially as its population grows at nearly 2 percent annually.

The demand for essential resources like food, water, and energy is increasing at an alarming rate. However, these challenges also present a unique opportunity for Pakistan to turn its population from a potential burden into a valuable asset. If the country can harness the untapped potential of its growing population, especially those who are currently outside the workforce or education system, it can drive economic growth, innovation, and sustainability.

This article delves into how Pakistan can turn its population growth and resource challenges into long-term opportunities for prosperity, drawing from both global examples and the country’s unique challenges.

Two economists have significantly shaped the discourse on population and resource management: Thomas Malthus and Esther Boserup. Malthus believed that population growth would inevitably outstrip food production, leading to poverty, famine, and social unrest unless population control measures were introduced. In contrast, Boserup argued that population pressure could spur innovation, driving societies to find better ways to manage resources and increase food production. These two perspectives offer a framework to understand how Pakistan can approach its growing population, whether as a looming crisis or as an opportunity for innovation and growth.

As the global population nears eight billion, countries worldwide are experiencing increasing pressure on their water, food, and energy resources. For Pakistan, this is particularly pertinent. The country’s agricultural systems, energy infrastructure, and water resources are all under strain. However, the question remains can Pakistan turn this growing population into a driving force for economic development, or will it become an unsustainable........

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