Bangkok: Poverty reduction, human capital development, and improvements in social indicators must be prioritized to build a sustainable and competitive economy in Pakistan, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, stated at an international conference in Bangkok. He emphasized equitable access to economic opportunities as essential for the country’s long-term prosperity.

According to Press Information Department, Ahsan Iqbal, representing Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the conference titled “From Poverty to Prosperity,” described poverty as more than a lack of income, highlighting limited access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and employment as critical issues. He expressed concern over Pakistan’s rising poverty rate and weak social indicators, emphasizing the need for improvement in education, healthcare, and nutrition to compete globally.

Iqbal pointed out that approximately 25 million children in Pakistan are out of school, with child stunting rates at around 40 percent. He stressed the importance of investing in early childhood development, quality education, and human capital for the country’s future economic growth. The minister advocated for efforts to enable people to move out of poverty and achieve economic self-sufficiency through skills development and economic empowerment.

He highlighted that sustainable poverty reduction requires more than financial assistance, calling for access to skills development, business capital, and reliable livelihood opportunities. He emphasized the role of women’s economic empowerment and employment opportunities for young people, as well as universities’ contributions to local community development.

Iqbal also discussed linking poverty alleviation initiatives with evidence-based policymaking and measurable outcomes to ensure stable incomes and improved living conditions for vulnerable households. He urged prosperous districts to partner with underdeveloped areas to address regional disparities, noting that 11 of Pakistan’s 20 poorest districts are in Balochistan.

The Federal Minister called on conference participants to develop practical recommendations and a roadmap for sustainable poverty reduction, aiming to deliver tangible improvements in the living conditions of vulnerable families.