US delegation meets planning minister; bilateral ties, cooperation in diverse fields discussed
\n ISLAMABAD
\nFederal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has emphasised the need to establish a new equilibrium in Pakistan-US relations, grounded in current geopolitical realities, mutual trust, and a development-oriented partnership.
\nHe made these remarks during a meeting with a US Congressional Delegation (Codel), led by Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI), along with Representatives Thomas Richard Suozzi, Jonathan L Jackson, and other senior US officials, in Islamabad.
\nThe meeting focused on strengthening Pakistan-US bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of development cooperation and future collaboration across various sectors, a news release said.
\nWelcoming the delegation, Iqbal highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and the United States, underscoring shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to progress. Pakistani travel guides
\nHe emphasised that Pakistan\u2019s longstanding and broad-based relationship with the United States remains a key pillar of its foreign policy.
\nA strong partnership between both countries, he noted, contributes significantly to regional stability and global peace, especially in a volatile global environment.
\nIqbal highlighted the need to have an understanding of Pakistan\u2019s socio-economic challenges in the aftermath of the two US-led wars in the region.
\nPakistan has borne the brunt and burden of over 3.5 million refugees for over three decades, with drugs and guns running in the society and the rise of extremism.
\nThe minister stressed the need to establish a new foundation in bilateral ties focused on development, especially in education, energy, climate change, infrastructure, and information technology.
\nDrawing from his own academic experience in the United States, Iqbal acknowledged the transformative impact of US higher education in shaping global leaders and innovators.
\nHe cited initiatives such as the Fulbright Scholarship Program, the largest of its kind in the world, which has empowered thousands of Pakistani students to access world-class education and contribute meaningfully to national development.
\nProposing enhanced cooperation in the education sector, the minister urged the importance of the \u201cPak-US Knowledge Corridor\u201d and the establishment of campuses of top-tier American universities in Pakistan, assuring full facilitation by the government.
\nHe called for academic partnerships and joint programmes to develop a highly skilled human resource base, which is most critical for Pakistan\u2019s sustainable growth and future prosperity.
\nReferring to the devastating floods of 2022, Ahsan Iqbal recalled the immense economic loss of over $30 billion, which impacted nearly one-third of the country.
\nHe highlighted the importance of renewed collaboration in climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
\nIn the agricultural sector, the minister noted the success of the Green Revolution in the 1960s, made possible through U.S. support, which helped Pakistan achieve food security by introducing high-yield wheat varieties.
\nHe called for a \u201cGreen Revolution 2.0\u201d in the face of climate change, advocating for smart and climate-resilient agriculture through technology transfer and joint ventures.
\nReferring to the information technology sector, he described it as Pakistan\u2019s most promising field, driven by a young and talented population.
\nHe noted that Pakistan has emerged as the third-largest supplier of freelance IT professionals globally, with skills comparable to global standards.
\nHe welcomed interest from US companies looking to expand their presence in Pakistan and termed the youth as the country\u2019s most valuable asset, capable of transforming challenges into opportunities.
\nThe minister also highlighted key initiatives such as the \u201cURAAN Pakistan\u201d programme and the government\u2019s \u201c5Es Framework,\u201d which aims to address long-standing economic issues and place Pakistan on a sustainable growth path by 2047. Pakistani travel guides
\nThe framework focuses on five priority areas: exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment.
\nHe emphasised the need to expand Pakistan\u2019s exports for sustained economic growth.
\nThe minister highlighted that peace & harmony, political stability, continuity of policies and commitment to reforms are prerequisites for sustained economic growth, stating that no country can progress in the absence of an economic system based on these factors.
\nPakistan in the past has suffered due to a lack of political stability & continuity of policies. He explained reforms being undertaken by the government.
\nHe further underlined the vital role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth and called for increased collaboration in this area with US businesses.
\nThe US delegation expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and commended Minister Ahsan Iqbal for his vision and leadership, describing him as a symbol of the values the United States seeks to promote in Pakistan.
\nThey acknowledged Pakistan\u2019s immense potential across various sectors and stressed the need to engage the private sector to unlock investment opportunities and build investor confidence.
\nThe delegation reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries and enhancing collaboration in key areas.
\nThe delegation extended an invitation to the minister to participate in the seminar being held on 30 April 2025 in Washington, DC on promoting Pak-US Relations.
\nIn the end, Iqbal welcomed the resumption of Congressional exchanges with Pakistan as a positive development and appreciated the US initiative to hold a symposium on Pakistan at the Library of Congress on April 30.
\nHe reiterated that Pakistan, as an emerging democracy, is undergoing important phases of development and stands ready to work closely with its international partners in building a prosperous future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
US delegation meets planning minister; bilateral ties, cooperation in diverse fields discussed ISLAMABAD Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has emphasised the need to establish a new equilibrium in Pakistan-US relations, grounded in current geopolitical realities, mutual trust, and a development-oriented partnership. He made these remarks during a meeting with a US Congressional […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":472089,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-472067","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n