Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has stressed the need to empower Pakistan’s youth through education, skills development and employment opportunities, warning that the country’s growing young population could become a liability if its potential is not properly utilized.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Career Connect 2026 at the University of Karachi, the minister highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the healthcare system, address population growth and improve maternal and child health services.
The event was organized by the university’s Department of Computer Science at the Umer Basha Institute of Technology, where Kamal attended as the chief guest.
“Our youth must be the demographic dividend, but not the liability,” the minister said, emphasizing that Pakistan must develop effective strategies to turn its growing population into a national asset.
Mustafa Kamal Praises University of Karachi
The federal minister appreciated the University of Karachi’s contributions to education and professional development, particularly the work of its faculty members in the information technology sector.
Describing the university as the “jewel in the crown of Karachi,” he praised its academic efforts and assured the university community of his support in facilitating its initiatives.
Kamal encouraged students to actively participate in Career Connect 2026 and make the most of the available opportunities to secure internships, employment and professional connections.
He said young people represented a valuable national resource and needed appropriate guidance, education and practical skills to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s economic growth and development.
The minister stressed that career opportunities and industry connections could help students strengthen their professional capabilities and prepare for the demands of the job market.
Growing Population Puts Pressure on Healthcare
Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic challenges, Kamal said the country faced a difficult situation in which its population was growing rapidly despite the availability of significant national resources.
He emphasized the need to address population growth and reproductive health challenges through awareness campaigns, education and effective healthcare interventions.
The minister warned that the healthcare system was facing increasing pressure as it struggled to meet the needs of a growing population.
He called for stronger preventive healthcare services and emphasized that every child should receive essential medical care from birth.
Kamal also highlighted the importance of childhood immunization, saying children should receive the recommended 13 vaccine doses under the national immunization schedule, alongside appropriate medical attention and preventive health services.
Read more: US Orders Embassy Staff and Families to Leave Saudi Arabia
He stressed that improving access to healthcare from an early age was essential to protecting children’s health and strengthening the country’s overall healthcare system.
Minister Highlights Maternal and Child Health Challenges
The minister expressed concern over Pakistan’s maternal and child health outcomes, pointing to preventable childhood deaths and maternal fatalities as major public health challenges.
According to the figures cited in his address, approximately 1,300 children under the age of five die daily from preventable causes, while thousands of maternal deaths occur every year.
He called for urgent measures to expand healthcare access, improve the quality of medical services and strengthen clinical outcomes for mothers and children.
Kamal also identified child stunting as a serious challenge, highlighting inadequate access to clean drinking water, nutritious food and quality education as contributing factors.
He stressed that addressing these interconnected issues required a comprehensive approach involving healthcare, nutrition, education and public awareness.
Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister said the sharp increase in patient numbers had severely strained the country’s healthcare capacity, demonstrating the need for a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.
Pakistan Can Expand Global Nursing Workforce
Kamal also highlighted the international demand for nursing professionals, saying Pakistan could create employment opportunities for its youth by investing in nursing education and professional training.
He said producing better-trained, highly skilled and well-educated nurses could help Pakistan contribute more effectively to the global healthcare workforce.
According to the minister, expanding opportunities in the nursing profession could also increase overseas employment and remittances, supporting the national economy.
read more: Gaza Food Shortages Leave Grocery Shelves Empty for Second Week
He emphasized that developing a skilled workforce was essential not only for meeting domestic healthcare needs but also for enabling Pakistani professionals to compete in international markets.
Career Connect 2026 Aims to Create Employment Opportunities
Concluding his address, Kamal expressed hope that Career Connect 2026 would help a significant number of students secure internships and jobs while establishing productive connections with industry representatives.
He reiterated that investment in education, professional skills and career development was essential for Pakistan’s sustainable progress.
The event highlighted the importance of connecting university students with employers and helping graduates transition from academic learning to professional careers.
The minister’s remarks underscored two interconnected priorities for Pakistan: creating meaningful opportunities for its young population and strengthening public healthcare services to meet the needs of a growing society.
He emphasized that effective planning, education and access to essential services would be crucial to turning the country’s demographic potential into a source of long-term national development.
