Daily Times

KARACHI: Planning, Development and Reforms Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan is on the path of economic revival and would be among the top 25 world economies till 2025.

He said it was about time that we all move ahead with unanimity on the government’s decisions in the interest of the country.

Ahsan Iqbal expressed these views at the 11th CEO Summit Asia-2015 and Book Launch ‘100 Performing CEOs, Leaders and Companies of Pakistan-2015’ with the theme of “Believe in Pakistan”, organised by CEO Club Pakistan in collaboration with the Planning Commission, Board of Investment Pakistan and Privatisation Commission of Pakistan at a local hotel on Thursday.

The summit was attended by top 600 chairmen, CEOs, presidents, managing directors, country managers, entrepreneurs, government officials, diplomats and business leaders of the country.

The purpose of the mega corporate event was to bring the soft corporate image of Pakistan at global level.

Ahsan Iqbal said that if anyone had the passion of success and want to achieve his or her destination then no one can stop him from getting that. He said Pakistan commenced its life as a non-industrial country in 1947 but today the country was exporting various equipments to the world. No doubt Pakistan is moving towards development, he added.

He pointed out that we kept on weeping for 64 years at a half empty glass but did not highlight positive things of our country.

He said owing to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), presently, Pakistan was being considered as an emerging economic giant, adding that the Chinese investment of $64 billion was drawing attention of the world towards Pakistan.

The Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) government was making untiring efforts for the development of country, he said.

“The world is witnessing positive change in Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan is going to deliver goods in South Asia, China and Central Asia with the help of China through CPEC in the future. He said that it was just a start and Pakistan could become the hub of economic activities. State Minister and Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson MNA Marvi Memon on the occasion highlighted the responsibilities and efforts of BISP for the marginalised section of society.

She said that the PML-N government was the major investor in BISP with a special focus on woman, adding that BISP was endeavouring in proper manner for the welfare of the poor population.

“BISP, being the custodian of 5.15 million beneficiary families, is one of the largest social safety nets in the world and its efforts were being recognised at global level. BISP aims to give dignity, empowerment and meaning to the lives of beneficiaries,” she added.

She also suggested the CEOs and business leaders to invest in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Ahsan Iqbal and Marvi Memon unveiled the book ‘100 performing CEOs, Leaders and Companies of Pakistan-2015’.

Earlier, CEO Club Pakistan Founder and President Ijaz Nisar kicked off the summit with welcome address.

Din Group of Industries Chairman and Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive SM Muneer, Lucky Cement Chairman and CEO Muhammad Ali Tabba, Bank Alfalah President and CEO Atif Bajwa and Tameer Bank President and CEO Nadeem Hussain also addressed to the summit.