Federal Minister Planning, Development and Reform Prof Ahsan Iqbal today called for promoting the positive narrative of the country in the world by highlighting the achievements country made in many fields of life. This can be done through positive thinking and self-belief, which are key to success in today’s world. We need to develop economically, which would safeguard the sovereignty and defence of the country. Ahsan Iqbal stated this at a lengthy lecture on “Development Philosophy of Government” at COMSAT Islamabad. Minister in his lecture shed light on the historical development patterns adopted in the past to the present one, which is aimed at inclusive and shared development in the country to benefit all provinces and regions of the country. He particularly listed Vision-2025, which was devised to take country into 25 economies of the world by 2025. This Vision-2025 emphases on inclusive development and shared prosperity by relying on indigenous resources through resources mobilization, growth and export as well as ensuring food, energy & water security and integrating the economy with the regional economies. Minister Planning & Development maintained that China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) also provided a historic opportunity to develop the country socially and economically and appealed for exploiting this opportunity for well-being of future generations. “If we lost this historic opportunity, we would simply add another missed opportunity in our long list of opportunities that were lost due host of issues in the past”, he stressed. Ahsan Iqbal particularly laid emphasis on political stability and consistency policies, which are instrumental to turn a country economically developed. He pointed out that this difference between a least developed nation and developed one are these two factors and now with the maturity of political leadership, country entered into arena of political stability. He highlighted the achievements made on economic and security fronts during the last two and half years. With the turnaround in economy, visible improvement in security situation in the country particularly Karachi and Balchistan and CPEC, the world media is now recognizing Pakistan as “new emerging success story” with the safe heaven for billions dollar Chinese investment contrary to 2013 when Pakistan was termed as “most dangerous country” on the earth. Ahsan Iqbal said that this was made possible due to untiring efforts of present government that arrested nose-dive down situation in various sectors of economy. The country is now in take-off stage. “We need to put all energies together to provide thrust all engines of economy for smooth takeoff”, he urged. About CPEC, Ahsan Iqbal dilated upon various components of the project and opined that it is win-win vision of China and Pakistan by integrating Vision-2025 of Pakistan and “One Belt-One Road” Vision of Chinese leadership. He said that KPK and Balochistan would be bigger beneficiaries of CPEC and dispelled the impression that two provinces are being deprived in this vital project by making CPEC Punjab-centric. “Apart from CPEC, Central Asian Regional Cooperation (CARC) corridor would also belief these two provinces because it would also connect Quetta with Afghanistan and Peshawar with Central Asian states”, he stated. Minister said that major chunk of 35 billion dollars of 46 billion dollar would be invested in energy sector to produce electricity and upgrading transmission & distribution infrastructure. 10,000 MGW would be added in the national grid by 2018 and additional 15000 by 2025.He invited the universities to make this project success and conduct research on different component of CPEC especially on Chinese industries, ready for relocation to low-wages destinations. Ahsan Iqbal resolved that government is determined to make CPEC a success by making it a game-changer project for all provinces and regions of the country.
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