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 burden? Education remains one of the most pressing areas for Pakistan. With around 22.8 million children aged 5 to 16 out of school, the country faces a massive education gap. This is especially acute in rural areas, where up to 74 percent of children never attend school. Even among those who do attend, dropout rates remain high, particularly in secondary and higher education. This is compounded by the fact that over a third of children under five suffer from malnutrition, which impairs their ability to succeed in school. The gender divide is also significant, with female literacy standing at only 50 percent compared to 70 percent for males. These challenges severely limit Pakistan’s potential to develop its human capital, leaving millions of children without the necessary skills to contribute productively to the economy. Moreover, Pakistan’s labour force participation rate is alarmingly low at just 43.3 percent. This indicates that a significant portion of the working-age population is not economically active. Youth unemployment is high, and female participation in the labour force is even lower at just 22 percent. Even when people find employment, many are underemployed in low-wage, low-skilled jobs that fail to utilize their full potential. Additionally, 13.4 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 14 are involved in child labour instead of being in school. This underutilisation of human potential hampers economic growth and productivity. However, these statistics also present an opportunity. If Pakistan can get more children into school, offer skills training, and integrate underutilized segments of the population into the workforce, the country could significantly boost economic growth and improve resource management. Imagine the impact if just half of the 22.8 million out-of-school children around 11 million were educated and later integrated into the workforce as skilled adults. Even if each of these 11 million contributed just $1,000 annually to the GDP, it could add $11 billion to the economy. This demonstrates the immense potential of human capital that is currently untapped. In addition to improving education, increasing labour force participation is essential for Pakistan’s economic development. A mere 10 percent increase in labour force participation could add millions of new workers to the economy, contributing to higher GDP growth and improved social outcomes, such as poverty reduction and better healthcare access. The more people who are employed in productive jobs, the less Pakistan will need to rely on social support systems, which will ease the burden on public resources. The integration of women into the workforce, in particular, could be transformative. By improving female labour force participation, Pakistan could unlock a significant source of economic potential. Moreover, Pakistan must focus on enhancing resource efficiency, especially in agriculture, which consumes more than 90 percent of the country’s water. By adopting smarter farming techniques, such as drip irrigation, precision agriculture, and climate-resilient crops, Pakistan could conserve water while maintaining or even increasing agricultural output. Pakistan also has vast potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. However, these resources remain largely untapped. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure could reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, help ease energy shortages, and create thousands of new jobs in green industries. Countries around the world, particularly in Asia, have faced similar challenges and have successfully turned them into opportunities. Thailand and Malaysia provide valuable lessons. Thailand’s focus on sustainable farming practices and renewable energy has allowed it to secure food supplies while reducing environmental damage. Malaysia, with its emphasis on education, technology, and sustainable agriculture, has balanced development with environmental protection. These nations demonstrate that with proper planning and innovation, it is possible to manage rapid population growth sustainably. Pakistan can learn from these models by expanding its focus on education, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. Moreover, urban development will play a major role in shaping Pakistan’s future. Cities like Singapore and Dubai have successfully supported large populations while minimizing environmental harm. By incorporating renewable energy systems, green buildings, and efficient public transport, Pakistan can create urban spaces that foster economic growth without depleting natural resources. The future of Pakistan hinges on its ability to balance population growth with sustainability. By investing in education, women’s empowerment, renewable energy, and resource efficient agriculture, Pakistan can turn its growing population into a powerful engine of economic growth. The country needs to create a system where more people especially those currently excluded have the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the economy. This will not only solve Pakistan’s resource challenges but also pave the way for long-term prosperity. The government plays a crucial role in driving this transformation through policy reforms. Government policies that improve water management, promote renewable energy, and support sustainable agriculture are essential. Simultaneously, individuals can contribute by reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting green technologies. Collective action, from the government to the individual, will ensure that Pakistan’s population growth is not a burden, but a boon. As Marie Curie once said, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” By understanding the challenges and opportunities ahead, Pakistan can turn population pressures into opportunities for growth. With smart investments and a commitment to sustainability, the country can transform these challenges into long-term prosperity. The time to act is now before the consequences of inaction become too significant to ignore. (The writer is a former technocrat and writes extensively on policy frameworks, governance, and institutional development) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025