LAHORE
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan can achieve economic self-reliance and sustainable development through national unity, discipline, political stability and an export-led economy, as demonstrated by the nation and armed forces during the “Marka-e-Haq” on May 10,2025.
Addressing the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) International Future of Finance Summit 2026 held at a local hotel here on Saturday,the minister said Pakistan had faced numerous challenges and many around the world believed that economic difficulties had weakened the country’s determination.
However,he said the nation proved its resilience when India launched aggression against Pakistan last year.
He said Pakistan responded as a united nation and its armed forces displayed extraordinary professionalism through an integrated multi-domain strategy involving close coordination among all three military services along with civil and military leadership.
Ahsan Iqbal paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the “Marka-e-Haq,” stating that their sacrifices raised Pakistan’s stature before the world.
Highlighting the discipline of the armed forces, he said military officers immediately comply with transfer orders and report to difficult areas without hesitation, while such discipline was often lacking in civilian institutions. He stressed the need to adopt a mission-oriented work culture in the civilian sector as well.
Recalling his visit to the family of a martyred soldier, the minister said the soldier’s mother proudly told him not to offer condolences but congratulations because her son had embraced martyrdom for the country. He said such spirit of sacrifice and dedication was also essential for economic development. The minister expressed confidence that Pakistan could transform itself within the next decade if all segments of society collectively placed national interests above personal gains.
Referring to global examples, Ahsan Iqbal said countries such as China and Vietnam achieved extraordinary economic growth through continuity of policies, exports, foreign investment and industrial development. He noted that while Pakistan and Vietnam had almost equal export volumes around the year 2000, Vietnam’s exports had now exceeded 480 billion dollars, whereas Pakistan’s exports remained around 40 billion dollars.
Sharing the success story of Vietnam’s VinGroup, he said the company evolved from a small business into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate through innovation, investment and commitment to national development. He stressed that Pakistan needed to replicate such success stories.
Criticizing bureaucratic hurdles, the minister said Pakistan’s administrative structure often acted as “anti-business” instead of “pro-business,” discouraging investment and industrial growth. He emphasized that exports were the only guarantee of economic sovereignty and pointed out that overseas Pakistanis sent around 44 billion dollars in remittances annually, while the country’s exports stood at nearly 40 billion dollars despite a population of 240 million.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan must increase its exports to 400 billion dollars in the long term and at least 100 billion dollars by 2030, describing it as a national mission as important as achieving nuclear capability for defense.
He said Pakistan had yet to develop a true export culture and stressed the need for value addition, branding, packaging and compliance with international standards.
The minister highlighted the export potential of local industries and products, including Sialkot’s cutlery, Gujranwala’s fans, mangoes, dates, chillies, handicrafts and livestock products.
He also underscored the importance of peace, political stability and continuity of policies, saying no country could progress amid political instability. Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he regretted that opportunities created under the project were politicized despite strong Chinese interest in Pakistan.
Calling for long-term commitment and reforms, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan needed a sustained struggle of 10 to 15 years for economic revival without relying on shortcuts.
He concluded by saying that the future belonged to the private sector, while the government’s role was to facilitate, empower and encourage businesses. He urged all stakeholders to work together for Pakistan’s prosperity and economic independence
