Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, has said that Pakistan is once again on the right path toward stability and economic progress. He stressed that peace, policy continuity, and national unity are vital for sustaining growth and turning Pakistan into a model of development. Speaking at the inauguration of a steel warehouse in Lahore’s Misri Shah area on Saturday, he described the locality as “the beating heart of Lahore,” symbolizing the country’s industrial strength and resilience.
Highlighting major economic improvements, Ahsan Iqbal stated that inflation had dropped from 38 percent to just 4 percent, while interest rates declined from 23 percent to 11 percent in the past two years. He attributed these gains to the government’s consistent and tough policy decisions under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The minister noted that when the coalition government took charge in 2022, Pakistan was close to default, but the administration successfully stabilized the economy and restored investor confidence.
Read more : Shehbaz Sharif to Boost Pakistan-Saudi Economic Cooperation at Riyadh Summit
The planning minister credited the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) for landmark achievements such as ending load-shedding, launching the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and leading anti-terrorism efforts. He said that when the PML-N came to power in 2013, the country was facing severe energy shortages and extremism, yet through CPEC, Pakistan attracted investments worth over 25 billion dollars. Ahsan Iqbal added that the party’s performance had set strong foundations for sustainable growth.
Praising Pakistan’s armed forces, Ahsan Iqbal called them brave and professional defenders of the nation who played a vital role in maintaining internal stability. He emphasized that close coordination between civil and military institutions had ensured peace during critical times. Recalling history, he said that in 1998, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif demonstrated true leadership by conducting six nuclear tests in response to India’s five, proving Pakistan’s commitment to national security and sovereignty.
Read more : Pakistan, Egypt Vow to Boost Security and Economic Ties
past governments, he accused them of weakening national institutions through poor management and short-sighted policies. He urged citizens to fulfill their duty by paying taxes and supporting the economy, comparing economic responsibility to the military’s defense of borders. Ahsan Iqbal also warned that India was attempting to destabilize Pakistan and said that anyone aiding such efforts could not be called a patriot.
Concluding his address, the minister said Pakistan had “won the battle for truth and survival” and must now win the battle for economic revival. He emphasized that no individual or group has a monopoly over the honour of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and reminded that the first Namoos-e-Risalat law was passed under PML-N leadership. Calling for unity under Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision, he urged citizens to work together for a strong, respected, and prosperous Pakistan.