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Business Recorder
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Economic growth: Ahsan highlights role of creative industry
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Prof Ahsan Iqbal has said that creative industries are now among the fastest-growing sectors globally, serving as key drivers of modern economies and providing employment to tens of millions. He was addressing the opening session of 'Uraan Pakistan – Creative Industry & Culture Economy' held here on Monday. He emphasized that for Pakistan to achieve long-term, sustainable economic growth, it must move beyond traditional sectors and embrace creative industries as an integral part of its national development strategy. 'Uraan Pakistan,' he said, envisions unlocking the potential of the country's creative minds to boost exports, create employment for youth, and promote a progressive image of Pakistan globally. The Minister underlined that Pakistan's economy has historically failed to transition into an export-led model. 'Each time we witness economic growth, it is followed by a surge in imports, resulting in balance of payments issues. We must now aim to raise our exports from $32 billion to at least $100 billion within the next eight years,' he stressed. A panel discussion was held during the event, featuring actress Saba Hameed, actor and host Ahsan Khan, actor and producer Adnan Siddiqui, human rights activist Dr Arfa Zehra, and former bureaucrat Mehtab Akbar Rashdi. Other panelists included fashion designer Rizwan Baig, journalist Maliha Rehman, music artist Faisal Kapadia, and Azan Khan. The panelists discussed in depth the key challenges facing Pakistan's creative industry — including lack of institutional support, policy neglect, shortage of trained professionals, and limited access to international platforms. They emphasised that with coordinated efforts by the government, private sector, and academia, the creative sector could emerge as a major source of dignified employment for youth and a significant contributor to Pakistan's export economy. The dialogue was not only insightful for current industry stakeholders but also served as a source of direction and motivation for aspiring youth looking to enter this vibrant and evolving field. Panelists collectively called for the inclusion of creative industries in national education, export, and youth development strategies, underscoring their potential to become a long-term pillar of Pakistan's economic and cultural progress. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Only uplift-oriented projects be included in PSDP: minister
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal Tuesday emphasised that only those projects should be included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) that aim to improve institutional performance and contribute effectively to national development. The minister chaired a high-level meeting regarding the 'Uraan Pakistan' Priority Development Projects for the fiscal year 2025–26 on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzoor Sumra, Chief Economist Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Joint Chief Economist Raja Mushtaq, members of the Planning Commission, and senior officials from relevant ministries. PSDP 2025-26: Planning minister briefed about priority projects in different sectors The session reviewed proposed projects related to exports, mass media, social sectors, food and agriculture, environmental protection, science and technology, and infrastructure. The minister emphasised that only those projects should be included in the PSDP that aim to improve institutional performance and contribute effectively to national development. Iqbal stressed the need for rationalisation of projects to ensure optimal allocation of funding and highlighted the importance of considering the international strategic relevance of proposed initiatives. He instructed the immediate operationalisation of the National Center for Brand Development and directed that the Allama Iqbal National Academy be completed in collaboration with the CDA. He further announced that the Academy and the 'Iqbal Monument' will be officially launched on the occasion of Allama Iqbal's 150th birth anniversary. The minister also called for the inclusion of health sector priorities in development planning, while emphasising the continuity of existing power sector projects alongside exploration of new initiatives. He reiterated the importance of prioritising quality public welfare projects in Balochistan and called for comprehensive reforms in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Highlighting the need for self-reliance, Iqbal stated that the youth should be empowered through skill-based projects rather than being solely dependent on financial aid. He also directed that as a top priority, the development initiatives should be launched under Public-Private Partnership models and expressed strong disapproval of delays in PC-I submissions by ministries, demanding immediate action. The minister emphasised that only those projects aligned with the goals of 'Uraan Pakistan' should be prioritised in the PSDP. He also underscored the urgent need to establish a medical college in Gilgit-Baltistan, along with launching comprehensive projects to promote both education and tourism in the region. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
