Islamabad: Today, the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Division of the National Assembly convened at Parliament House to receive an in-depth briefing on the Ministry of Economic Affairs Division’s (EAD) organizational role, challenges, and future strategy. The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Atif, MNA, and featured detailed presentations by Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry, alongside other officials.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the briefing provided an extensive overview of the EAD’s evolution, highlighting its critical functions in managing foreign economic assistance, external debt, and government borrowing. The Ministry outlined its key roles, including interactions with international financial institutions and donor agencies, emphasizing its strategic initiatives to ensure debt sustainability and fiscal prudence.
The session covered the EAD’s structural organization and its strategies to secure and efficiently use foreign economic aid to meet Pakistan’s development objectives. Challenges such as the reduction in concessional finance, global inflation, and legal issues related to the NGO policy were openly discussed. The Ministry also addressed the lack of a framework for the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program and difficulties with project portfolio management.
Muhammad Atif commended the Ministry’s commitment to fostering economic stability and growth, stating, “The briefing has been enlightening and underscores the critical role EAD plays in steering Pakistan’s economic agenda towards sustainable growth and development.” He expressed the committee’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at enhancing economic stability.
Committee members collectively affirmed their dedication to overcoming economic challenges while leveraging opportunities for national economic advancement. They pledged continued support for measures designed to bolster Pakistan’s economic resilience and promote inclusive and sustainable development.
The briefing concluded with a mutual commitment from the Standing Committee and the Ministry of Economic Affairs Division to collaborate effectively towards achieving shared economic goals, with an emphasis on maintaining oversight of policy implementation to foster economic prosperity across Pakistan.