Latest news with #Development&SpecialInitiatives
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Contributions of minority communities lauded
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives organised a Bethak titled, "Mark-e-Haq: Honoring the Role of Religious Minorities in Pakistan", aimed at promoting interfaith harmony, peaceful co-existence, and mutual respect among all citizens. Representatives from Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other religious minority communities actively participated in the event and shared their perspectives on their role in Pakistan's national development, particularly in the context of the URAAN Pakistan. Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, in his keynote address, paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of minority communities in Pakistan's history and progress. He emphasized that minorities played an unforgettable role in the Pakistan Movement, and their love, loyalty, and services continue to be a vital part of the nation's growth. 'Pakistan is a result of the shared sacrifices of all communities. We didn't just build the country together, we have also strengthened it together,' said the Minister. He reiterated that the true strength of any nation lies not in its military arsenal or economic reserves but in the unity of its people. Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government's commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity for all citizens regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity. 'All Pakistanis are equal; development is everyone's right. We must rise above differences to build a prosperous Pakistan,' he stated. Referring to the government's flagship vision URAAN Pakistan, the Minister noted that its 5Es Framework—Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity—is deeply rooted in the principle of inclusive growth. He stressed that no district or community should be left behind and called for holding such Bethaks across the country to ensure every voice is heard in the development narrative. Touching upon national security, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan's resilience against external aggression and terrorism. 'From defeating terrorism to overcoming the energy crisis, Pakistan has proved it is not weak. Our armed forces have given a befitting response to aggression, and the nation has always stood united against every threat,' he added. In conclusion, the Minister underlined the importance of political stability, continuity in policy, and mutual cooperation as key to building a bright future for Pakistan. 'Under the green crescent flag, we are all one. Together, we can defeat hatred with love, and injustice with equality. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Chinese experts' report: Minister reviews finalisation of sectoral action plan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review the implementation and finalisation of the sectoral action plan based on the Chinese experts' Report. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Vice Chancellor PIDE, Chief Economist, Project Director CPEC Secretariat, and senior officials from various ministries and divisions. The report shared by the Chinese Embassy was prepared by Chinese Working Teams following their visit to Pakistan to assess potential areas of enhanced economic cooperation. The report outlined key observations and recommendations in different sectors such as connectivity, the development of a national agricultural plan, Gwadar Port linkages, IT collaboration, and other strategic areas. Ministries were requested to review the report and provide feedback. In line with the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, 10 federal focal groups were constituted to develop sector-specific action plans in response to the technical assessments presented by the Chinese expert teams. Since then, the Ministry of Planning under the chairmanship of Minister Ahsan Iqbal has held multiple rounds of meetings to shape the final action plan and has consistently encouraged the ministries to align their inputs with Chinese recommendations and outline a clear path forward. During the meeting, all relevant ministries discussed the sectoral suggestions made by the Chinese teams and presented updates on their respective projects. Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed that each ministry must prepare a comprehensive response based on the Chinese Experts' Report so that the CPEC Secretariat can compile and submit a unified, detailed reply to the Chinese side. He also directed that China should be formally informed about the progress made by Pakistan on the recommendations, and efforts should be made to fully capitalize on the areas and projects for which China has already expressed willingness to cooperate. The meeting marks a significant step towards deepening Pakistan-China economic cooperation and ensuring that both sides move forward with a shared understanding and commitment to mutual development goals. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Dubai Eye
18-06-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE, Pakistan partner to modernise government operations
The governments of the UAE and Pakistan have launched a partnership aimed at promoting knowledge exchange in areas such as good governance, public sector reform, urban planning and science and technology. The partnership will modernise government operations, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE and adopting its leading practices in governance and digital transformation. He highlighted recent Pakistani reforms in digital governance, paperless systems and customs protocols, expressing eagerness to learn from the UAE's success. The partnership was formalised in the presence of senior officials from both sides through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and signed by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. 'This partnership reflects the commitment of our leadership to build on strong bilateral relations and ensure the sustainability of constructive cooperation that promotes prosperity and mutual benefit for both nations,' said Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Officials from both countries also held a series of meetings focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing public sector excellence through shared innovation and institutional development.
TAG 91.1
18-06-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE, Pakistan partner to modernise government operations
The governments of the UAE and Pakistan have launched a partnership aimed at promoting knowledge exchange in areas such as good governance, public sector reform, urban planning and science and technology. The partnership will modernise government operations, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with the UAE and adopting its leading practices in governance and digital transformation. He highlighted recent Pakistani reforms in digital governance, paperless systems and customs protocols, expressing eagerness to learn from the UAE's success. The partnership was formalised in the presence of senior officials from both sides through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and signed by Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. 'This partnership reflects the commitment of our leadership to build on strong bilateral relations and ensure the sustainability of constructive cooperation that promotes prosperity and mutual benefit for both nations,' said Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Officials from both countries also held a series of meetings focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing public sector excellence through shared innovation and institutional development.
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PDA team meets Ahsan Iqbal
ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation of the Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) met with the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, to discuss the current challenges specifically after the imposition of 18 percent sales tax on packaged milk facing the dairy industry and the need for sustainable reforms to unlock its full potential. The delegation included Kashan Hasan, Managing Director FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan and Vice Chairman of PDA; Dr Shehzad Amin, CEO PDA; Dr Muhammad Nasir from FCEPL; Aatekah Mir from Nestlé Pakistan and Noor Aftab from Tetra Pak. During the meeting, the PDA presented it's position on the impact of the unprecedented 18% sales tax on packaged milk, and its ripple effects on farmers, consumers, and the formal dairy value chain. In response, Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed his full support for the Association's position, acknowledging the adverse effects of the current taxation regime. He affirmed the importance of dairy as a key pillar of food security, economic growth, and export potential, and endorsed the need for a long-term dairy policy to ensure sectoral resilience, consumer health, and farmer sustainability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
