Federal, KP to collaborate on Uraan Pakistan program: Ahsan

PESHAWAR: The federal and provincial governments will work together under the Uraan Pakistan program to achieve national development goals and position Pakistan as a trillion-dollar economy by 2035, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal stated at a press conference in Peshawar.
Flanked by Federal Minister Amir Muqam and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Finance Advisor Muzammil Aslam, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the importance of aligning provincial development plans with national economic goals.
He stressed that Pakistan’s economic growth relies on provincial cooperation, particularly in key sectors like tourism, minerals, and exports.
Muzammil Aslam confirmed that discussions with federal ministers on the AIP and ADP funds for merged districts had led to a way forward. He also announced an increase in the ADP budget for settled districts from Rs 120 billion to Rs 150 billion.
The federal minister emphasized that economic improvements must translate into tangible benefits for the common man. He noted positive economic indicators, including a decline in inflation from 38pc to 4pc, a reduction in the policy rate from 23pc to 12pc, and rising stock market performance.
Additionally, Ahsan Iqbal underscored the need for provincial support in national health initiatives, such as the elimination of Hepatitis C, diabetes control, and child stunting programs. He also condemned the recent terrorist attack on the Bolan Express, calling it an attempt to derail Pakistan’s progress.
Muzammil Aslam urged the federal government to announce a special package for the merged districts, where over 75pc of the population lives below the poverty line. He reiterated that Uraan Pakistan would follow its outlined framework to ensure economic stability and growth across the country.