Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has urged the country to prioritize moral values and ethical foundations as essential components of national development. Speaking at a roundtable meeting focused on building a value-based society, character development, and shared responsibility, Iqbal emphasized the necessity of integrating integrity, ethics, and equality into Pakistan’s development agenda under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.

According to Press Information Department, Iqbal highlighted that ethical values serve as the “software” of development, complementing the “hardware” of infrastructure. He stressed that true progress requires a strong moral foundation, pointing out that honesty, professional ethics, and a sense of responsibility are crucial for strengthening public institutions and improving service delivery. He also noted the importance of character-building and moral upbringing in addressing the nation’s challenges.

The minister called for promoting unity and practical moral guidance through religious and educational institutions, emphasizing that the quality of services such as healthcare and education depends significantly on the conduct of professionals within these fields. Iqbal advocated for the honest and efficient use of national resources, suggesting that safeguarding public resources could enhance development outcomes.

During the meeting, a proposed framework titled “Prosperous Pakistan” was presented, focusing on civic responsibility and professional ethics. The initiative aims to integrate ethical values into everyday conduct through various societal channels, including families, educational institutions, workplaces, and media. It is set to begin with pilot initiatives in selected areas before wider implementation.

Iqbal called for ongoing collaboration among government bodies, educational institutions, families, and religious centers to reinforce ethical values and societal cohesion. He also directed the establishment of a permanent working group to foster initiatives promoting ethics, character-building, and civic responsibility across the nation.