The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned Pakistan faces urgent population challenges as it heads into 2026 as the world's fifth most populous country. With over 225 million people, rapid growth, gender inequality, and climate vulnerability are key concerns. UNFPA advocates for viewing population as a driver of development and suggests revising national planning, including the NFC formula, to incentivize progress in gender equality, climate resilience, and improved health and education services, rather than solely population size.