76% of Young Pakistanis Are Optimistic About Future: UN Report

A United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report has found that 76% of young people in Pakistan remain optimistic about the future.

The UNFPA released its Pakistan-related findings ahead of World Population Day 2026. The findings are part of its global report, “Lives, Choices and Futures,” which is based on responses from more than 100,000 people aged 18 to 39 in 73 countries, including 1,700 respondents from Pakistan.

According to the report, Pakistan’s population has reached approximately 257.2 million, with nearly one-third of the population between the ages of 10 and 24.

The report states that Pakistan’s future depends on the opportunities, choices and capabilities available to its young people. UNFPA Pakistan Representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh said investment in youth is essential for the country’s stability and prosperity.

Although 76% of respondents in Pakistan feel positive or very positive about the future, around 53% are concerned about conflict and security risks, economic insecurity and inequality, as well as global health and environmental threats.

Young people in rural areas without internet access also continue to face significant challenges.

The UNFPA called for greater digital inclusion, particularly for girls and rural youth, as well as expanded access to skills training and decent jobs.

The organization also recommended youth-friendly reproductive health services, stronger health systems and midwifery, and greater gender equality to help prevent child marriage.

The UNFPA emphasized that population policy is not simply about increasing or decreasing population numbers. It is also about rights, choices, financial security, employment, housing, healthcare and gender equality.