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Climate change and population growth could derail Pakistan’s goal of becoming a $3 trillion economy, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb warned during an interview with Geo News.
Aurangzeb highlighted that these two intertwined challenges — environmental degradation and unchecked population increase — have emerged as critical threats to the country’s economic future.
“When we say that we are a $411 billion economy that can be a $3 trillion economy, there are two reasons that can derail us — climate change and population growth,” Aurangzeb said.
His remarks come as Pakistan reels from another season of deadly monsoon rains that have claimed over 1,000 lives and destroyed 2.2 million acres of crops, exacerbating inflation, unemployment, and rural poverty.
Pakistan’s Population Surge and Its Economic Consequences
With a population exceeding 241 million, Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world. This rapid growth puts immense pressure on infrastructure, education, and health systems, leaving millions vulnerable to poverty.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the country’s annual population growth rate stands at 2.55%, one of the highest in South Asia.
The World Bank notes that the demographic pressure could offset economic growth if job creation and public services fail to keep pace.
“A lack of adequate infrastructure and health facilities puts added stress on public systems,” said Aurangzeb, emphasizing that unemployment and poverty are byproducts of unplanned population growth.
The Climate Crisis: From Monsoon Disasters to Economic Losses
Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index.
Unusually heavy monsoon rains in 2022 caused over $30 billion in damages and displaced millions.
This year, since late June 2025, floods and rains have again caused widespread devastation — killing over 1,000 people and submerging villages and farmland across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Climate change is no longer an academic discussion,” the finance minister warned. “People are suffering its effects — from worsening floods to choking smog in Lahore.”
These recurring climate disasters have shaved off up to 0.5% of Pakistan’s expected 4.2% GDP growth, according to the finance ministry’s preliminary estimates.
Agricultural Losses and the Economic Domino Effect
Eighty percent of the recent flood damage has been recorded in Punjab province, Pakistan’s agricultural heartland.
Key rice and cotton-producing regions have been inundated, resulting in massive losses to crops and livestock.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that these repeated shocks will likely reduce agricultural productivity and further drive up food inflation, which already exceeds 25% year-on-year.
The ripple effects of these agricultural losses extend to exports, employment, and rural livelihoods, adding new hurdles to Pakistan’s ambitious $3 trillion economy vision.
For context, you can explore the FAO’s Climate Impact Report on South Asian Agriculture for detailed insights.
Government Response: A 300-Day Climate Action Plan
Recognizing the urgency, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik to formulate a 300-day national climate resilience plan.
The plan will focus on:
- Expanding climate-resilient infrastructure,
- Promoting green finance and renewable energy, and
- Strengthening disaster preparedness systems.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change aims to collaborate with international partners, including the UNDP and World Bank, to mobilize climate finance and implement adaptation projects in vulnerable areas.
Multinationals’ Exit and New Entrants: A Shifting Landscape
When asked about the exit of firms such as Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, and Shell, Aurangzeb clarified that global companies often realign operations based on shifting markets.
“These companies make decisions on participation — which products to stay with, which clients to serve, and in which countries to remain,” the minister noted.
He added that while some companies have exited, others are entering Pakistan’s energy and technology sectors.
New entrants include Saudi Aramco and Wafi Energy, signaling continued foreign interest in Pakistan’s strategic energy market.
This “West to East shift” reflects how regional partnerships are reshaping global investment patterns.
Expert Analysis: The Urgency of Climate and Population Reforms
Economists and policy experts agree that climate resilience and population management are essential for Pakistan’s long-term prosperity.
Dr. Kaiser Bengali, a leading economist, emphasized that unchecked population growth combined with recurrent climate disasters could “consume all future growth dividends.”
International organizations like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have urged Pakistan to prioritize sustainable agriculture, urban planning, and education reforms to cope with climate and demographic challenges.
For further reading, visit the ADB Pakistan Country Partnership Strategy.
Conclusion: Building Resilience for a Sustainable Future
Pakistan’s journey toward becoming a $3 trillion economy hinges on how effectively it addresses the dual challenge of climate change and population growth.
While new investments by companies like Aramco show promise, the economic toll of floods, crop damage, and overpopulation continues to threaten national stability.
“The dream of a $3 trillion economy will remain elusive unless we control our population and adapt to climate realities,” Aurangzeb concluded.
To secure a prosperous and resilient future, Pakistan must invest in climate adaptation, education, and inclusive economic planning — transforming today’s warnings into tomorrow’s opportunities.
