London: The bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom are deeply rooted in robust economic and cultural ties, stated Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, during his interaction with British Parliamentarians at Portcullis House, Westminster, today.
Mr. Iqbal underscored Pakistan’s pioneering role in the development trajectory of the 1960s, inspiring other nations to adopt its development model. He highlighted the government’s current focus on the development of Balochistan and the upliftment of its local communities.
Notably, the government has completed numerous projects in Gwadar, including the establishment of a hospital, solarization of residential units, scholarships for local students, a university, a technical and vocational center, water plants, a road network, and the operationalization of Gwadar Airport.
Furthermore, Mr. Iqbal emphasized the influx of substantial investments in mining projects in Balochistan, which are poised to transform the province’s destiny and the lives of its people.
Highlighting a few key achievements of his government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mr. Iqbal said that inflation has been reduced from 38% to 4%, the policy rate has decreased from 23% to 13%, Pakistan’s stock market has experienced unprecedented growth, exports and remittances have both increased by 30%, and IT exports have risen by 34%.
The Minister elucidated that during the PML-N tenure commencing after 2013, despite the formidable challenges posed by terrorism, the government successfully implemented Vision 2025. This visionary initiative resulted in a remarkable 6% growth rate, with international rating agencies predicting Pakistan’s economy to attain a position within the top 15 of the world. Regrettably, all these commendable policies were abruptly discontinued by the incoming government in 2018.
Briefing the Parliamentarians regarding the “URAAN PAKISTAN” initiative, Ahsan Iqbal said that it was not a government-specific agenda but rather a comprehensive plan aimed at the upliftment of the 240 million Pakistanis. He told that the plan encompasses novel initiatives tailored to the needs of Pakistani diaspora residing abroad, including internships for youth and the “Champions of Reform” program, which facilitates collaboration between British-Pakistani high achievers and the government, thereby contributing to various sectors. Iqbal emphasized that this plan strikes a harmonious balance between achieving economic and social development.
Furthermore, Iqbal underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to the development of Balochistan and the empowerment of its local populace. He highlighted the significant progress made in Gwadar, where the government has completed numerous CPEC projects, including the establishment of a hospital, the solarization of residential dwellings, scholarships for local students, the establishment of a university, a technical and vocational center, water plants, a road network, and the operationalization of Gwadar Airport. Notably, substantial investments are being poured into mining projects in Balochistan, which hold the potential to transform the province’s destiny and the lives of its people.
The Minister for Planning has affirmed that Pakistan holds the United Kingdom, the United States, China, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the European Union as significant strategic partners. Pakistan is committed to fostering enhanced economic and trade relations with these countries to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
The Minister emphasized the substantial contribution of British Pakistanis to strengthening the bond between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Earlier, Mohammad Yasin, a Member of Parliament, welcomed Mr. Ahsan Iqbal to the British Parliament and expressed gratitude for his dedication to undertaking development projects in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region. Mr. Iqbal was accompanied by Dr. Mohammad Faisal, the High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom.
The Minister for Planning congratulated Mr. Yasin on his appointment as the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy for Pakistan by the British Government. He underscored the mutual benefits that Pakistan and the United Kingdom will derive from Mr. Yasin’s expertise and experience in this role.
