Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has stated that Pakistan is on a trajectory to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2035. During a press briefing releasing the Monthly Development Update Report, he highlighted that reforms in multiple sectors, including tax administration, technology adoption, and the promotion of digital systems, are improving transparency, controlling tax evasion, and fostering investor confidence. The minister also addressed perceptions of corruption, noting that while public belief suggested bribery prevalence of 65 percent, recent surveys indicate it is closer to 27 percent.
Iqbal emphasized that previous political mismanagement had hindered economic growth, but recent measures are being recognized positively by international organizations including the IMF, World Bank, and ADB, as well as global rating agencies. He stressed that positive thinking and policy consistency are critical to attract global investors. Key macroeconomic indicators reflect this improvement, with average inflation falling from 6.5 percent to 5.2 percent over seven months, tax revenues rising to Rs 7.2 trillion, exports increasing by 3.7 percent in January to $3.1 billion, and remittances growing by 10.5 percent in six months to reach $19.7 billion.
Development spending under the Public Sector Development Program PSDP has also accelerated, with Rs 272.8 billion spent so far, up 27 percent from Rs 220 billion in the same period last year. These projects are expected to generate approximately 73,000 new employment opportunities, while efficient management has saved Rs 5.5 billion. Iqbal also highlighted social development initiatives such as the National Mother and Child Care Conference, which aims to address the 40 percent child stunting rate among Pakistan’s 40 million children under five.
In addition, the minister announced that relief measures for the upcoming Holy Month of Ramazan have been expanded to 1.7 million families, with safeguards against profiteering. He also noted promising growth in the industrial sector, currently showing a six percent increase, signaling sustained economic momentum. Overall, the combination of digital reforms, enhanced fiscal management, and targeted development spending is positioning Pakistan to achieve long-term economic resilience and progress toward its trillion-dollar economy target.
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