Asim Munir Joins Pakistan Population Committee
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has included Field Marshal Asim Munir in a high-level body tasked with addressing the country’s rapid population growth. The decision expands the military chief’s involvement in another area of civilian policymaking.
Asim Munir Joins Population Management Body
Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal confirmed that Munir had been included in the committee formed to coordinate population-management policies.
The body is expected to bring together federal and provincial authorities to develop a unified response to Pakistan’s rising population and its impact on public services, employment and economic development.
Kamal said Munir’s inclusion reflected the government’s seriousness about addressing the issue. However, the military chief’s precise operational responsibilities within the committee have not been publicly detailed.
Pakistan Plans National Population Council
The government has also approved the establishment of a National Population Council chaired by Shehbaz Sharif.
Provincial chief ministers are expected to participate in the council to improve coordination between the federal government and Pakistan’s provinces, which are responsible for implementing many health and family-planning programmes.
The initiative is expected to focus on public awareness, reproductive healthcare, family planning and improved access to services in rural and underserved areas.
Military Role in Civilian Policy Expands
Munir’s appointment comes amid his growing involvement in Pakistan’s economic, investment, agricultural and security policymaking.
The army chief is already associated with the Special Investment Facilitation Council, which was established to accelerate foreign investment and improve coordination between civilian institutions and the military.
Supporters argue that the armed forces can provide organisational capacity and nationwide outreach. Critics, however, have repeatedly raised concerns about the expanding military role in areas traditionally managed by elected governments and civilian institutions.
