ISL AMABAD: Civil Society Organisations have reaffirmed commitment to support government in advancing national population goals.

According to a statement, the twelfth meeting of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Coalition on Population brought together leading non-governmental organisations, development partners, and government representatives to review progress, share challenges, and build a stronger collaborative roadmap for implementing Pakistan`s National Action Plan (NAP) on Population. The CSOs Coalition was formed in pursuance of the NAP endorsed by the CCI, with a focus on civil society engagement.

In her keynote address, Dr Soofia Yunus, Director General (Population), Ministry of National Health Services emphasised the critical role of CSOs in addressing Pakistan`s demographic and development`The government cannot move forward alone, she said. `We must rely on the strength, reach, and expertise of our civil society partners to amplify our efforts, fill service delivery gaps, and mobilise communities especially for family planning, maternal and child health, and adolescent well-being.

She stressed the urgency of service integration, the inclusion of adolescent health in planning, and the importance of frontline provider engagement in family planning efforts.

The members strongly urged increased investments in health, education, and reproductive services, describing them as essential for peace and prosperity.

A strategic presentation by Dr Ghulam Farid Khan, Programme Analyst UNFPA highlighted Pakistan`s persistent 17pc unmet need for family planning and a contraceptive prevalence rate of 34pc.

He emphasised the need to bridge service delivery gaps through stronger CSOgovernment partnerships and showcased the success of public-private models piloted in Balochistan. Dr Khan also called for prebudget collaboration with civil society to ensure greater prioritisation of the social sector.

In his concluding remarks, Director Population at the Ministry of National Health Services Dr Ahmed Faisal reaffirmed the government`s commitment to inclusive and collaborative action.

`This Coalition exemplifies the spirit of partnership needed to achieve sustainable population growth and advance national development,` he noted. Staff Reporter