Ahsan Iqbal Stresses Intergovernmental Synergy for Pakistan’s Development, says Strategic Resource Allocation Key to Achieving Economic and Social Goals
Ahsan Iqbal Stresses Intergovernmental Synergy for Pakistan’s Development, says Strategic Resource Allocation Key to Achieving Economic and Social Goals
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, has emphasized the critical role of efficient resource utilization and intergovernmental cooperation in driving Pakistan’s economic progress. Chairing a high-level consultative meeting with provincial ministers of planning and development, he underscored the need for harmonized national and provincial efforts to achieve Pakistan’s development targets.
The meeting, attended by provincial ministers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Advisor for Finance, senior officials from the Planning Ministry, and key stakeholders, focused on economic growth, education reforms, and strategic budget planning.
Highlighting the significance of the “Uraan Pakistan” program, launched on December 31, Minister Ahsan Iqbal termed it a milestone initiative shaping Pakistan’s economic future. He emphasized that national development is a shared responsibility, urging all stakeholders to align their priorities.
“This program is not just a federal agenda—it’s a blueprint for national progress. Collective commitment will ensure its success,” he stated.
The minister stressed that while economic growth remains a priority, education reforms and population control policies are crucial for sustainable progress. Citing global success stories, he noted:
“Countries that achieved rapid development maintained population growth below 2%. Pakistan must take decisive steps to balance population expansion and modernize education to equip its youth with future-ready skills.”
Minister Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed that while social indicators fall under provincial jurisdiction, the 18th Constitutional Amendment does not limit federal-provincial collaboration. He called for a coordinated strategy to streamline national and provincial development efforts.
“We need a robust, integrated approach to avoid redundant resource allocation and accelerate project execution. A strong federal-provincial partnership is the key to delivering results efficiently,” he remarked.
Discussing Pakistan’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the minister proposed a district-level engagement model to ensure localized implementation. He affirmed that the Ministry of Planning will work closely with provinces to align development priorities and accelerate economic progress.
“We must take SDGs beyond policy discussions; integrating them at the district level will empower local governments and drive meaningful impact,” he asserted.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on aligning economic strategies, fostering collaboration, and ensuring optimal resource allocation to achieve Pakistan’s long-term development vision.
