Islamabad, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the government’s commitment to meticulous planning and policy continuity as foundational elements for achieving sustainable development in Pakistan. Delivering a televised address upon taking office, Iqbal highlighted the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem conducive to job creation and youth engagement.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Minister outlined the essential role of political stability and consistent policies in driving sustainable progress. He further underscored the need to leverage modern technology to enhance productivity within critical sectors such as agriculture and industries, aiming to secure a competitive edge on the global stage.

Iqbal reiterated the government’s dedication to implementing the Five Es framework, introduced in August 2022, which targets comprehensive national revitalization through focuses on Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy, and Equity and Empowerment. Additionally, he pointed to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a significant opportunity for Pakistan, noting efforts to reaffirm Chinese confidence in the initiative and its potential impact on the nation’s future.

Addressing the economic challenges ahead, the Planning Minister advocated for innovative financing mechanisms to bolster infrastructure development and an export-led growth strategy, with an ambitious target to elevate exports to one hundred billion dollars within the next seven to eight years.

Iqbal also declared the government’s intention to establish long-term development objectives, strengthen the private sector’s role in introducing Pakistani products to international markets, and encourage the active participation of overseas Pakistanis in the nation’s development. He assured that the government would provide full support to facilitate their contributions.