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
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 […]
Budget 2026-27 may be delayed to June 12
The federal government is considering postponing the presentation of the 2026-27 budget from June 10 to June 12. Discussions on the proposed change are ongoing as several key budget matters remain unresolved. The delay could affect parliamentary scheduling and final budget preparations ahead of the new fiscal year. According to sources, a final decision on […]
PM seeks bigger development budget ahead of FY27
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed economic authorities to increase the proposed federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation for the fiscal year 2026-27 by Rs200 billion, signalling the government’s intention to boost spending on development projects despite fiscal constraints. Read More: Provinces propose record Rs3.14 trillion development budget According to sources, the prime minister […]
Govt pursuing export-led growth to avoid boom-bust cycles: Ahsan
Ahsan-iqbal-copyFederal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said the government was pursuing a strategy of sustainable, export-led growth to steer the economy away from recurring boom-bust cycles and ensure long-term stability. “We have consciously decided that we have to take the path of sustained growth,” he said while addressing […]
Ahsan Iqbal says economy is recovering
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has said Pakistan’s economy is on the path to recovery, while emphasizing the need to prioritize and complete ongoing development projects to support sustainable growth. Read More: Ahsan Iqbal says Pakistan saved region, slams India Speaking at the Annual Plan Coordination Committee meeting for the 2026-27 […]
Ahsan Iqbal links regional role to national strength
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said Pakistan’s growing relevance in regional affairs is closely connected to its recent strategic and diplomatic positioning, stressing that long-term national progress now depends on economic strength and development. Read More: Ahsan Iqbal stresses engineers’ role in Pakistan’s progress Addressing an event at the Lahore Chamber of […]
Transport fares remain stable across Pakistan, says price monitoring committee
The National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) has stated that transport fares across Pakistan have remained unchanged, even as officials reported mixed trends in the prices of essential commodities, including a notable decline in chicken prices. Read More: Inter-city transport fares drop after diesel price cut The claim was made during a meeting chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan […]
National economy demonstrated notable stabilisation: Ahsan Iqbal
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal here on Saturday said that national economy has demonstrated notable stabilization and was steadily moving on a recovery path during the eight-month journey of fiscal year 2025-26. Presenting the Monthly Development Update for February 2026, the minister said that the positive trends reflect the impact […]