The first meeting of the Planning Commission's Policy Board was held today under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Planning, representatives from major private sector organizations, corporate leaders, and experts from various fields. During the meeting, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that the purpose of establishing the Policy Board is to enhance transparency and improve the economic planning process of the country with the assistance of the private sector and corporate leaders. He emphasized that the participation of the private sector will significantly improve the performance of the Planning Commission, contributing to the stabilization of Pakistan’s economy. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the Policy Board members will support the government in monitoring the financial affairs and audits of the Planning Commission. He added that the board members will play a key role in developing strategic frameworks and preparing short, medium, and long-term plans. The Federal Minister stressed that the formation of the Policy Board is a major milestone, and it will help achieve sustainable development goals. Further, Ahsan Iqbal noted that the government has established the Policy Board to ensure the implementation of the 5Es Framework, the 13th Five-Year Plan, and Vision 2030. This framework prioritizes key sectors such as exports, digital development, environmental sustainability, energy, and equity. He mentioned that the experiences and recommendations of the Policy Board members will also assist in the formulation of the national budget, ensuring that the process becomes more transparent and reliable. Ahsan Iqbal urged the board members to openly share their opinions to help improve the Planning Commission’s functions. He emphasized that the inclusion of Policy Board members will transform the Planning Commission into a comprehensive think tank, further advancing Pakistan’s development process. He reiterated that the government welcomes the suggestions of private sector experts and will integrate their input into national development plans. While concluding the meeting, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed that, given Pakistan’s current economic situation, there is an urgent need for substantial investment and an increase in exports across various sectors. He expressed hope that the Policy Board members will play a vital role in the national development process and assist the government in steering the country toward economic stability. Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Pakistan into a trillion-dollar economy by 2035, with effective implementation of the 5Es Framework. He called upon private organizations, civil society, and experts to collaborate in driving the nation toward stability and growth. Stakeholders and experts from the private sector expressed their views during the first Policy Board meeting and pledged their full support to the government’s initiatives.
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