Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal met with Sam Waldock, Development Director at the British High Commission in Islamabad, to discuss development priorities, institutional reforms, and bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
According to Press Information Department, Iqbal emphasized the need to strengthen local governance and ensure the transfer of resources and powers to districts in line with the 18th Constitutional Amendment. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the 5Es framework under URAAN Pakistan and sought the UK’s continued support for initiatives in exports, climate resilience, human development, and civil service reforms.
The Minister also addressed the importance of demographic planning, equitable resource distribution, and early childhood development initiatives, including campaigns on nutrition, sanitation, and clean drinking water. Waldock reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development priorities, highlighting climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and adaptation as key areas of cooperation.