CNAS director, Planning minister discuss Pak-US ties

ISLAMABAD
Director of the Indo Pacific Security program at Centre for a New American Security (CNAS) in Washington Lisa Curtus Thursday called on Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal.
Both sides discussed bilateral relationship between Pakistan and US, acknowledging that the United States has been one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Pakistan and remains Pakistan’s largest export market, a news release said.
During the meeting, Lisa Curtus expressed hope that trade and investment relations between the United States and Pakistan would continue to grow, along with multiple exchanges to strengthen people to people ties.
Reflecting on the recent commencement of Pakistan’s tenure as a non- permanent member of Security Council of the United Nations for 2025-2026, the minister reiterated that Pakistan would collaborate with all UN member states to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, prevent war, promote peace, foster global prosperity and ensure universal respect for human rights.
Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, international law, peaceful settlement of disputes and friendly relations with countries around the world. “It will be a valuable opportunity for Pakistan to foster dialogue on the most pressing global challenges facing the world today,” he remarked.
The minister said the current government has strengthened the economy, which had been crippled in the previous government’s tenure.
Highlighting the significance of the recently launched 5-year plan, Uraan Pakistan, the minister said the government’s highest priority area was export expansion. “The government is now in full momentum to reach the target of increasing exports from $30 billion to $100 billion over the next decade, a cornerstone of its long-term economic strategy,” he added.
Ahsan Iqbal also reflected on government’s achievements during its previous tenure, including the development of Gwadar into a vibrant city, securing a transmission line from Iran for Balochistan, and deepening Gwadar Port to accommodate larger vessels.
However, the minister lamented the setbacks caused by interruptions in these initiatives over recent years.
Ahsan further said that under the new 5-year plan, the government was working to finish all infrastructure and connectivity projects without any delays and expand access of internet, education and healthcare to all underprivileged parts of Pakistan.
Stating that climate change is one of the highest priority areas for the government at present, the minister said Pakistan was aiming to develop the local climate finance ecosystem and ensuring equitable participation in climate initiatives, as evident from Pakistan’s strong representation at COP29.