Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives

Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Jemal Bekar Commends ‘#UraanPakistan’ Initiative H.E. Dr. Jemal Bekar Abdula, the Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has commended the “Uraan Pakistan” programme, launched by the Government of Pakistan for achieving higher economic growth and national prosperity. He lauded the initiative during a meeting with H.E. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, at his office on Thursday. During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest including trade and investment cooperation between the two brotherly countries. On the occasion, the Ambassador briefed the Minister about the transformational change brought about in Ethiopia by the Prosperity Party which is led by Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed who introduced and implemented major reforms in political, economic and social spheres. He highlighted the political and economic liberalization achieved by the FDR Ethiopia which had not only strengthened its democracy but also the national economy which has been in consistent growth with the political, economic, social and legal reforms. The Ambassador said the Home Grown Economic Reforms is also an outcome of these reforms in the country which focused on addressing macroeconomic imbalances, increasing domestic production and attracting the foreign direct investment that led to a major boost in job creation. Ethiopia and Pakistan can learn from each other's experiences and strengthen their trade and investment relations by fostering economic cooperation between the two brotherly countries, the Ambassador remarked. The Ambassador also invited the Minister to grace the Single Country Exhibition of Pakistan scheduled for May 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On the other hand, the Planning Minister said he looked forward to visit the FDR Ethiopia which enjoyed brotherly relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He noted the growth in the bilateral relations of the two countries with the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad, exchange of official and business delegation, and the commencement of the Ethiopian Airlines operations in Pakistan. The FDR Ethiopia is one of the success stories in Africa which has turned around the economy through pluralistic economic policies, the Minister remarked while terming Ethiopia a beacon of prosperity in Africa.

Addressed officers of 52nd CTP of Civil Service at Ministry of Planning & Development. Urged upon them that as part of this distinguished institution, they stand at the threshold of shaping Pakistan’s future. Theirs is a sacred duty: to transform policy into action, uphold the rule of law, and serve the people with unwavering dedication. The path ahead will not be easy, but it is one of the most fulfilling roles anyone can aspire to.

Mental Health at the Forefront: Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Addresses 24th International Psychiatric Conference in Islamabad In a move towards addressing #MentalHealth challenges in Pakistan, Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary delivered an address at the 24th International Psychiatric Conference, organized by the Pakistan Psychiatric Society in Islamabad. The conference, themed “Mental Health to Global Mental Health: A Need for a Public Mental Health Approach for Intersectoral Collaboration and Contribution,” brought together over 40 international delegates and leading experts in mental health. Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that mental health is not just an individual concern but a critical national priority. “A nation’s economic productivity and societal well-being are directly linked to the mental and physical health of its citizens,” he stated. He pointed out alarming statistics, noting that in a country of 240 million people, only 900 psychiatrists are available to address the growing mental health needs. The Planning Minister underscored the detrimental impact of #SocialPolarization, #HateSpeech, and rising intolerance on national unity and mental health. 🗨️ “Our societal behaviors have reached a point where internal cohesion and solidarity are being eroded. The prevalence of negativity and prejudice has not only affected individual well-being but also placed the nation at risk of collective depression,” he remarked. Prof. Iqbal also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding struggles with diseases like #Diabetes, #Hepatitis, and #Polio, attributing their persistence to systemic gaps. He warned that mental illnesses are following a similar trajectory, affecting millions of lives and hindering people from reaching their full potential. 💡 “Mental health is the cornerstone of a progressive society. Without addressing it, we cannot expect individuals to contribute effectively to national development,” he added. In a forward-looking announcement, the Planning Minister revealed that work on a comprehensive #NationalMentalHealthPolicy will commence soon. This policy aims to bridge the gap in mental health services and ensure equitable access to care across the country. The workshop provided participants with practical tools to manage crises and build #PsychologicalResilience. Organized in collaboration with international partners, the conference highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral efforts in promoting mental health. Delegates called for integrating mental health into public health frameworks and fostering a culture of #Empathy and #Inclusion. As Pakistan faces multifaceted challenges—from #NaturalDisasters to #EconomicInstability, Prof. Iqbal urged all stakeholders to prioritize mental health, stressing the need to learn from the past, focus on #Reforms, and work collectively to build a #Resilient and #ProsperousPakistan.

Uraan Pakistan feels more like a movement to transform the country. Its inspiring name, connection to "shaheen," and the 5E framework have captured attention. I hope such initiatives are supported beyond politics and continue for long-term progress. #UraanPakistan

💡 Curious about #URAANPakistan? 🎥 This home-grown national economic transformation plan is rooted in the 5Es Framework: Exports, E-Pakistan, Equity, Energy, and Environment, redefining Pakistan’s economic trajectory. Through strategic reforms and innovative projects, #URAANPakistan aims to lay the foundation for a $1 trillion economy by 2035—empowering industries, fostering sustainable growth, and unlocking opportunities for all. Prof Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary Associated Press of Pakistan Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan Business Recorder Dawn Group of Newspapers Gulf News Khaleej Times

7th Agricultural Census: Planning Minister Ushers in the New Year with a Groundbreaking Initiative Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary began the new year by inaugurating the 7th Agricultural Census, a critical step towards advancing Pakistan’s agriculture sector and overall economic development. The census aims to gather comprehensive and reliable data to enable effective policymaking and targeted reforms. During the ceremony, the Planning Minister highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, emphasizing that modern agricultural practices and enhanced productivity are essential for meeting the challenges of the contemporary era. He remarked, “Scientific planning is the foundation of progress, and the 7th Agricultural Census will provide essential insights to drive informed decisions in the agriculture sector. Accurate data will allow us to optimize resource allocation, improve efficiency, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.” Prof. Ahsan Iqbal underscored Pakistan's rich natural resources, urging their proper utilization for sustainable development. He stated, “Our country is blessed with countless resources, and we must channel them towards progress with integrity and commitment.” Referring to the achievements of the 2023 Digital Census, the Minister praised the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) for its role in providing credible data. “The PBS has laid a solid foundation for reforms that are critical for Pakistan’s development,” he noted. The Minister also emphasized the national importance of unity and collective effort, reiterating that such endeavors can unlock the country’s immense potential. “This new year signifies the start of a transformative journey in Pakistan’s history. The 7th Agricultural Census will be a cornerstone for achieving sustainable growth in the agriculture sector, enabling the government to design evidence-based policies that address core challenges and improve food security.

Dr. Shoukat Hameed Khan, Pakistan’s Optical Physicist, shares his insightful reviews on URAAN Pakistan, a transformative plan for the nation’s sustainable development and progress. #URAANPAKISTAN #اڑان_پاکستان