‘A new equilibrium': Ahsan Iqbal calls for reshaping Pakistan-US ties
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has called for a fresh equilibrium in Pakistan-US relations, rooted in mutual trust, current geopolitical realities, and a development-focused agenda.
Iqbal made the remarks during a meeting with a US Congressional delegation led by Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), along with Representatives Thomas Suozzi, Jonathan Jackson, and other senior US officials in Islamabad.
The discussions focused on boosting bilateral cooperation, particularly in education, climate resilience, IT, and economic development.
Welcoming the delegation, Iqbal underlined the longstanding Pakistan-US relationship, calling it 'a key pillar' of Pakistan's foreign policy. 'A strong partnership between our nations contributes significantly to regional stability and global peace,' he said.
Iqbal stressed the need for US understanding of Pakistan's socio-economic struggles, particularly the impact of US-led wars in the region. 'Pakistan has hosted over 3.5 million refugees for decades, while grappling with rising extremism, drug trafficking, and social disruption,' he noted.
Highlighting Pakistan's development priorities, Iqbal emphasised enhanced cooperation in higher education. Citing his own experience as a US-educated academic, he praised programmes like Fulbright, calling them transformative for Pakistani youth.
He proposed expanding the 'Pak-US Knowledge Corridor' and welcomed the idea of top US universities establishing campuses in Pakistan. 'We will fully facilitate such ventures,' he assured.
On climate change, Iqbal pointed to the devastating 2022 floods that caused over $30 billion in damage. He called for a renewed partnership in climate resilience, drawing parallels to past cooperation in agriculture. 'Just as the US helped us during the Green Revolution, we now need a Green Revolution 2.0,' he said.
In information technology, he described Pakistan as a growing global hub for freelance talent. 'We are the world's third-largest supplier of freelance IT professionals. Our youth are our greatest asset,' he added, welcoming investment interest from US firms.
The minister outlined key initiatives like the 'URAAN Pakistan' programme and the government's '5Es Framework,' which targets five key areas: exports, e-Pakistan, energy and infrastructure, environment and climate change, and equity and empowerment.
He said political stability, consistent policy, and reform were essential to achieving long-term economic goals. 'No country can progress without peace, harmony, and a stable economic system,' he stated.
Iqbal also stressed the role of SMEs in Pakistan's economic revival and invited greater collaboration from US businesses in that sector.
The US delegation commended Iqbal's leadership and vision, calling him 'a symbol of the values the United States seeks to promote in Pakistan.'
They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic ties and boosting private sector engagement to unlock investment potential.
The delegation invited the minister to attend a seminar on Pak-US relations in Washington on 30 April 2025 and praised the resumption of Congressional exchanges. Iqbal welcomed the initiative and reiterated Pakistan's readiness to deepen its engagement with international partners.
'Pakistan is undergoing important phases of development,' he said. 'We are committed to working with our allies to build a peaceful and prosperous future.'
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