Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday stressed that poverty alleviation, human resource development and improved social indicators must remain top national priorities to transform Pakistan into a sustainable and competitive economy.
\nAddressing an international conference on Pakistan\u2019s Vision for Inclusive and Resilient Economic Transformation, he said it was imperative to ensure that the benefits of development reached every citizen and region, with equitable access to economic opportunities.
\nHe said poverty was not merely a lack of income but also limited access to education, healthcare, nutrition and decent employment.
\nExpressing concern over the rising poverty rate and weak social indicators in Pakistan, he stressed that addressing these fundamental challenges was essential for sustainable national development.
\nAhsan Iqbal said around 25 million children were out of school in Pakistan, while the rate of child stunting stood at approximately 40 per cent.
\nWithout improvements in education, healthcare and nutrition, he said, Pakistan could not compete effectively in the global economy.
\nHe termed early childhood development, quality education and investment in human resources fundamental to future economic growth.
\nThe minister said the government\u2019s focus was not limited to assessing poverty levels; rather, its ultimate objective was to lift people out of poverty and enable them to achieve self-sufficiency.
\nHe said the government was intensifying and accelerating its efforts while mobilising all relevant stakeholders to achieve this goal.
\nHe said sustainable poverty alleviation required more than financial assistance or the provision of productive assets to deserving families, adding tey also needed skills, business capital, access to markets and reliable livelihood opportunities.
\nHe emphasised women\u2019s economic empowerment, employment opportunities for young people and the role of universities in promoting the development of local communities.
\nAhsan Iqbal said the government intended to link poverty alleviation initiatives with evidence-based policymaking, measurable outcomes and effective monitoring to ensure stable incomes, savings, improved nutrition and a better quality of life.
\nCalling for prosperous districts to become partners in the development of underdeveloped areas, the minister stressed promoting self-reliance and mutual support. He pointed out that 11 of Pakistan\u2019s 20 poorest districts were located in Balochistan.
\nHe said resources and capabilities must be pooled to extend the benefits of development to every region and reduce regional inequalities.
\nThe minister urged conference participants to present actionable recommendations and a comprehensive roadmap for sustainably reducing poverty, scaling up effective development interventions and bringing tangible improvements to the living conditions of deserving families.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday stressed that poverty alleviation, human resource development and improved social indicators must remain top national priorities to transform Pakistan into a sustainable and competitive economy. Addressing an international conference on Pakistan\u2019s Vision for Inclusive and Resilient Economic Transformation, he said it was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":571952,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-571946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n