Orlando: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called upon overseas Pakistanis to become proactive contributors to Pakistan’s sustainable development and economic transformation. Speaking at the 49th Annual Convention of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) in Orlando, Florida, the Minister outlined a vision for leveraging the expertise of the diaspora in key sectors, including healthcare and technology.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister proposed an innovative Telemedicine Backup Model, which aims to establish a panel of ten U.S.-based medical specialists for each of Pakistan’s sixty districts. This initiative seeks to provide clinical support to junior doctors in remote and underserved areas, facilitating direct consultations with overseas specialists to enhance healthcare delivery through digital technologies.

In his address, Iqbal emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and urged overseas Pakistani physicians to aid in developing AI-driven healthcare solutions and digital health platforms. He highlighted the importance of these innovations in modernizing Pakistan’s healthcare system.

The Minister also identified major human development challenges facing Pakistan, such as Hepatitis C, diabetes, tuberculosis, polio, rapid population growth, and child stunting. He stressed the need for coordinated national efforts bolstered by global expertise to address these issues effectively.

During a question-and-answer session, Iqbal underscored the importance of responsible democratic discourse, advocating for peaceful political expression that does not undermine state institutions or Pakistan’s international image. He encouraged Pakistanis to express political differences responsibly while maintaining national sovereignty and the country’s global reputation.

Lastly, Iqbal pointed to emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, renewable energy, and climate resilience. He emphasized that Pakistan’s diaspora possesses the necessary expertise and global connections to accelerate the country’s transition into a competitive, innovation-driven, and sustainable economy.