China will provide digital skills training to 300,000 Pakistani youths every year, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced. The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s technology sector and expand its digital economy. Young professionals and freelancers are expected to benefit from the programme. Speaking at the 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards 2026 in Lahore, Ahsan said Pakistan […]
Ahsan Iqbal
Ahsan Iqbal says Kashmiris want Lahore-style development, not Karachi model
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has said that the people of Kashmir want development similar to Lahore and will not allow the region to become like Karachi. Read More: AJK assembly special session expresses solidarity with Kashmiris Addressing a workers’ convention in Narowal, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government […]
Pakistan pushes for Netflix access, plans local streaming platform
The federal government has announced that it is working to secure greater representation for Pakistani films and television content on global streaming platforms, including Netflix, while simultaneously developing a homegrown streaming service to expand the country’s digital entertainment industry. Read More: Netflix stands firm on theatrical release strategy Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal […]
Pakistan seeks NASA collaboration to advance space vision
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday held a series of high-level meetings with NASA officials and representatives of leading US aerospace companies to explore cooperation in space science, education, research and technology. During the meetings, the two sides discussed advancing Pakistan’s long-term space vision, promoting scientific research and […]
Ahsan urges overseas Pakistanis to partner in healthcare and investment
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday called upon overseas Pakistanis, particularly healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and investors, to become active partners in Pakistan’s journey towards sustainable development, healthcare modernization and economic transformation under the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative. Addressing the 49th Annual Convention of the Association of Physicians of […]
NDMA reviews monsoon preparedness nationwide
The National Disaster Management Authority’s Emergency Response Committee held its first meeting on Friday to review monsoon risks across Pakistan. The committee assessed national preparedness and emergency response plans for the 2026 monsoon season. Federal and provincial authorities are expected to strengthen coordination to reduce potential loss of life and property. The meeting was convened […]
‘Economy stayed on recovery path despite challenges in FY2025-26’
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said Pakistan’s economy remained on the path of stability and recovery during fiscal year 2025-26 despite facing multiple internal and external challenges, including floods, global trade tensions and the Middle East crisis. Addressing a press conference after the launch of the ministry’s […]
Unchecked population growth threatens sustainable development: Ahsan
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Monday warned that unchecked population growth remained Pakistan’s most critical structural challenge, undermining economic progress and human development, and called for urgent national-level reforms to address the issue. Addressing the launching ceremony of a book on “Impact of Population Growth on Human Security […]
Ahsan Iqbal directs strengthening of market monitoring, supply chain mechanisms
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday reviewed the prevailing price situation of essential commodities, market supply mechanisms and measures aimed at ensuring price stability and protecting consumer interests. Chaired by the minister, the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) meeting was attended, among others, by senior representatives from the […]
Govt, opposition trade barbs in NA over proposed budget
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday said that discussions on the federal budget 2026-27 should be based on facts rather than misrepresentations. Responding to points raised by former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser during the budget debate in the National Assembly, Ahsan Iqbal accused the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf […]