Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed the strength of the coalition between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), emphasizing their shared commitment to addressing Pakistan’s pressing economic and security challenges. Speaking to the media alongside Sindh Planning Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Ahsan Iqbal outlined the government’s priorities and the pivotal role of the Udan Pakistan initiative in steering the country toward sustainable growth.
Unity in the Coalition Government
Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged occasional disagreements within the coalition government but stressed the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between the PPP and PML-N. “Both parties have distinct ideologies, but where the country’s interests are concerned, we set aside our differences,” he stated. He added that the coalition is determined to resolve economic challenges and combat terrorism through collective efforts.
Udan Pakistan: A Vision for Progress
Highlighting the significance of the Udan Pakistan project, Ahsan Iqbal described it as a non-political, forward-looking initiative designed to secure Pakistan’s future. The program aims to transition the country toward a technology-driven economy, boost exports, and ensure equitable development across provinces.
We have seen three Udans fail in the past, but this time, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we will succeed,Iqbal said. He emphasized that the provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were consulted to ensure the program’s inclusivity. The Sindh government, he added, will receive support to recover from the devastation caused by the 2022 floods under this initiative.
Economic Revival Through Technology and Exports
Ahsan Iqbal underscored the government’s focus on enhancing Pakistan’s economic sustainability through increased exports. Pakistan’s sustainability depends on exports. It may take 8 to 15 years to increase exports from $30 billion to $100 billion, but this target is achievable under Udan Pakistan,he explained.
The minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to securing cyberspace and promoting IT exports. He noted that software exports have grown by 34%, supported by uninterrupted internet access via registered VPNs.
Positive Economic Indicators
Ahsan Iqbal pointed to several positive economic indicators as evidence of the government’s progress. The inflation rate has dropped from 38% to 4%, and the stock market has risen from 30,000 to over 100,000 points, he said. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, he expressed optimism about overcoming them through collective efforts and the consensus of coalition allies.
Addressing Accountability and Transparency
In response to a question about accountability, Ahsan Iqbal criticized the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for alleged financial misconduct. The PTI founder used to demand receipts from others, but when asked for his own, they turned out to be bogus,he claimed. He called for greater transparency and accountability across all political parties to restore public trust.
A Unified Approach to National Challenges
Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the importance of unity among political allies to address Pakistan’s internal and external challenges. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle inflation, economic instability, and cybersecurity threats. “Cyberspace is the new frontier of undeclared wars, and every country is taking steps to secure it. Protecting IT businesses is also the government’s responsibility,” he said.
The coalition government, led by the PML-N and PPP, remains committed to Pakistan’s economic revival and technological advancement. With initiatives like Udan Pakistan and a focus on unity, the government aims to navigate the nation through its current challenges and toward a prosperous future.
