ISLAMABAD (APP) - President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated the government's commitment towards formulation of a credible database for population welfare and urged everybody to join hands in the national cause. In a message on the occasion of World Population Day falling today (July 11) the President said, "The World Population Day is celebrated each year to create awareness among masses about population and development issues. Today is the 24th World Population Day." He said the theme this year "Everyone Counts" underscores the importance of each individual in the compilation of demographic data, a vital tool for policy planning and formulation. He said two decades ago Pakistan's population was less than 80 million. Today according to some estimates it has almost reached the 200 million mark. "This fast pace of population growth should make us pause and reflect on its impact on the available resources and infrastructure. If the population continues to grow at this rate, it will not be too long when our resources will just not be able to support the people, he added. The President said World Population Day demands serious contemplation by everyone from ordinary citizens to government leaders and policy planners to think about the challenges and issues of exploding population. He said it is also imperative to sensitise the masses about the importance of demographic data collection and compilation. Individuals, households and communities should be encouraged to participate effectively in census and demographic surveys and birth and death recording systems. He appealed to families and individuals to cooperate in cementing the efforts of the government for population planning. "Our joint efforts will help in creating awareness about the importance of population planning which is critical to put the country on the path of progress and prosperity, he added.