ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday urged politicians to exhibit greater unity for achieving the required goals of national development, going beyond party affiliations.
“We all have two statuses, one political and one national, and for national development, we have to take decisions in the collective interest, going beyond our political affiliations,” he said while attending the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
The meeting, chaired by Syed Abdul Qadir Gillani, was attended by members Syed Sami Ul Hassan Gillani, Naz Baloch, Muhammad Moazzam Ali Khan, Farhan Chishti, Akhtar Bibi, Dawar Khan Kundi and Yousaf Khan. Senior officials from the Ministry of Planning, Finance Division, OGRA and other relevant departments were also present.
The minister expressed regret that some political parties had damaged Pakistan’s international reputation, calling such actions deeply unfortunate and condemnable.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that this was a time to act responsibly and restore Pakistan’s dignity on the global stage.
Responding to the committee members’ queries, he highlighted the impact of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, noting that although most powers have been devolved to the provinces, the centralization of authority at the provincial level has undermined the spirit of devolution.
He advocated for the empowerment of local governments and called for a national dialogue to achieve consensus-based reforms for either creating new provinces or strengthening local governance systems.
Calling the country’s rapid population growth, a national emergency, the minister announced the formation of a national task force to address the issue.
“This task force will include religious scholars, civil society members, and representatives from various sectors to develop a coordinated program for population control,” he added
The minister apprised the NA body that the Ministry has formulated a comprehensive roadmap under the “URAAN Pakistan” vision to tackle national challenges and transform Pakistan into a one trillion-dollar economy by 2035, adding this strategy was anchored in the 5Es Framework.
He emphasized that integrated and long-term development policies, political stability, and continuity of policies were essential for any nation’s sustainable development.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s economic journey, he noted that in 2017, a global report ranked Pakistan among the fastest emerging economies.
However, the minister said, the political engineering and non-democratic transition of 2018 disrupted this progress, adding that in 2022, despite severe financial challenges, the government once again initiated a path to recovery.
The Ministry of Finance, he said, at the time had declared it was unable to release even a single rupee for the last quarter, yet the government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made tough decisions that laid the foundation for renewed growth.
The 5Es Framework, he explained, represented a continuation of this vision and sets the course for economic stability and self-reliance.
Regarding curriculum reform, the minister said the government is aligning educational content with modern demands, emphasizing creativity, skills development, and teacher training.
The federal government, he said, in collaboration with provinces was introducing reforms in examination boards and the overall education system.
During the briefing, the minister elaborated on the 5Es Framework.
He said the first pillar was exports, with a goal to increase exports from $30 billion to $100 billion over the next eight years, positioning Pakistan among major global economies.
The second pillar, “E-Pakistan,” focused on leveraging technology for economic growth, including digital infrastructure improvement, support for startups, promotion of freelancing, and strengthening cybersecurity.
The third pillar, he said, addressed climate change, with integrated government efforts to safeguard water, ensure food security, and utilize natural resources efficiently.
Projects such as Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams are being fast-tracked as a top government priority to avert future water crises, with the Prime Minister taking a personal interest in their completion.
The fourth pillar, the minister said, focused on energy and infrastructure. The government is actively working on transitioning to green energy, enhancing the energy infrastructure, and utilizing Pakistan’s mineral resources. A comprehensive strategy is underway to integrate CPEC infrastructure with regional countries, transforming Pakistan into a regional trade hub.
The fifth pillar, Ahsan Iqbal said, emphasized human resource development, values, and empowerment.
He said that the true strength of a nation lies in its brainpower, stressing the need to equip the younger generation with
quality education, skills, and modern technologies.
With 25 million children currently out of school, the minister warned that sustainable development is not possible without prioritizing education, health, and human development.
Ahsan Iqbal urged provincial governments to make effective use of their resources and play an active role in national-level development initiatives to ensure equitable and sustainable growth across the country.