Islamabad: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure the timely execution of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives, aiming at fostering economic growth and development.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the minister chaired a review meeting in Islamabad where he emphasized China’s proficiency in developing industrial zones. Pakistan has requested China to establish two model industrial zones, underscoring the importance of this collaboration. The minister instructed the Power Division and Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) to expedite the energization of the internal network of the Rashakai Special Economic Zone.

The meeting also reviewed the progress on the training of 1,000 agriculture graduates in China, with the minister directing that experts traveling for agricultural training be fully supported. He mentioned that the Prime Minister would soon announce the 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan Framework, which will be integrated into the five-year development plan and followed by the formulation of a comprehensive National Agriculture and Industrial Policy.

Updates from the Ministry of Railways and Communications were provided on the progress of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) and Karakoram Highway projects, outlining their future plans. In a separate meeting concerning the New Pakistan Country Partnership Framework with the World Bank, the minister urged ministries to focus on embracing emerging technology to transition Pakistan into a technology-driven economy. The World Bank’s strategy considers Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges and includes the “5Es Framework to Turnaround Pakistan” to address these issues and leverage opportunities. Minister Iqbal called for the strategy to align with the government’s development framework priorities.