Islamabad, June 19, 2023 (PPI-OT): Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Measures Professor Ahsan Iqbal has said that the system of local governments must be ensured to convey the effects of development to the people. The journey to the democratic system will be completed only by the transfer of powers to the lower level, we have to work together to achieve the goals of sustainable development. He expressed these views while addressing the National Conference on Local Government Powers held on Wednesday. In his address, the Federal Minister urged international partners, civil society and the private sector to work together with Pakistan to achieve sustainable development goals. Expressing Pakistan’s determination to achieve the SDGs by 2030, he said that the economic pillar under the banner of economic recovery is focused on promoting economic growth and stability.
Ahsan Iqbal said that under this strategic pillar The Ministry has earmarked a major portion of the budget for infrastructure development in which These include the construction of transportation networks, power plants and industrial zones. He said that these efforts will attract investment, promote business and create employment opportunities. He said that the government will provide quality education to the youth. is determined to do. He said that substantial investment has been made for the renovation of educational infrastructure. He said that the budget of the Higher Education Commission has been increased by 131% which shows the government’s commitment to education. Ahsan Iqbal said that the ministry has also allocated funds for renewable energy projects, waste management, natural resource conservation systems and water conservation.
He said that new steps have to be taken for green revolution to make Pakistan self-sufficient in food. He said that the government has allocated a significant part of the budget for social development. He said that one to develop the 20 poorest districts of the country A new project has been launched. He said that it is unfortunate that democratic governments have not transferred powers to local governments. He said that empowering the local governments is indispensable for democracy and the development of the country. He said that the government allocated 1150 billion from 550 billion for the development budget. Pakistan made the Sustainable Development Goals part of its national policy in 2016. The government ensured the holding of local government elections in Sindh, Balochistan, KPK and AJK to devolve powers to the local level.
Social equality and equal opportunities for development are indispensable for the country. Empowerment of local governments for overall development is essential for equitable development. The process of democracy in Pakistan is incomplete without local governments. A plan has been launched for the development of 20 less developed districts in the country. The federal minister said that through the eighteenth amendment to the provinces Powers are delegated. Provincial governments should play their role in transferring powers to local governments. The country’s economy is facing serious challenges. We need to change our lifestyle. Everyone has to play the role of a reformer at their own level. He said that Pakistan is trying to achieve the development goals set by the United Nations. The federal minister said that the time has come to strengthen the local governments by empowering them for the promotion of democracy. He said that the system of local governments must be ensured to convey the effects of development to the people.
The journey of democratic system will be complete only with the transfer of powers to the lower level. Ahsan Iqbal said that during the previous regime of Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan had become the largest economy in the world, but due to poor economic policies of PTI, the country suffered from economic depression. He said that we will take Pakistan out of difficult situations Everyone has a shared responsibility. The federal minister also highlighted the economic challenges facing the country, expressing the government’s determination to overcome them. He also emphasized on changes in lifestyles and priorities to ensure a prosperous future and said that the public and private sectors can work together to bring the country out of economic difficulties and ensure effective implementation of the development agenda.
Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal mentioned the government’s Five Est (5Es) and said that under this framework, exports, Digital Pakistan, action plans and projects on climate change, education, health and affordable power generation, and equity. Provision of rights is included in the government’s priority agenda. He said that if the 5Es are effectively implemented, the country will be on the path of development again in a few years. He informed that the government has developed infrastructure, education, environmental protection, social development and Adequate funds have been provided for other important sectors. The conference was attended by government representatives, civil society organizations and international partners.
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