Govt to revive development forum this year
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Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reiterated the government's resolve to revive the Pakistan Development Forum later this year – a platform that fosters strategic dialogue between the government of Pakistan and its development partners.
During a meeting with newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolorma Amgaabazar on Wednesday, the minister appreciated the World Bank's continued partnership with Pakistan. Departing country director Najy Benhassine also participated in the meeting, according to a press release issued by the ministry.
Iqbal acknowledged the instrumental role played by Benhassine in deepening development cooperation during his tenure. He expressed confidence that the positive trajectory would continue under the new World Bank official, especially under the evolving priorities set forth in Pakistan's long-term development road map.
He pointed out that the government had launched Uraan Pakistan – a comprehensive and future-oriented development framework designed to turn the country into a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
He noted that the initiative was rooted in five strategic pillars, known as 5Es, which comprised exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate resilience, energy and infrastructure, and equity, ethics and empowerment. This programme is focused on smart governance, inclusive growth and public sector transformation.
"In today's fast-changing global context, planning must be intelligent and adaptive," the minister remarked. "Uraan is about creating hope, harnessing innovation and enabling long-term stability through scenario-based planning and institutional reform."
The minister underscored the planning ministry's leadership during the recent national emergencies, including the 2022 floods and the Covid-19 pandemic. He cited the examples as successful case studies of integrated planning and swift execution – the core principles being institutionalised under Uraan.
Iqbal told the World Bank officials that his ministry was leading an extensive consultative process to modernise civil services and improve public sector delivery.
The World Bank officials offered continued support for advancing reforms and strengthening the implementation capacity, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and social development projects.
Discussions between the two sides included the significance of collaborative planning, federal-provincial coordination and institutional resilience. At the conclusion, the minister reaffirmed the commitment to deepening cooperation with the World Bank in pursuit of a resilient, inclusive and future-ready Pakistan.
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