Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has said Pakistan must substantially increase exports and address rapid population growth if it wants to achieve sustainable economic development and improve foreign exchange reserves.
Addressing the Annual Plan Coordination Committee meeting, the minister said Pakistan’s future depends on strengthening its export sector and expanding foreign exchange earnings.
He stressed that the country needs to increase exports to $100 billion over the next decade, arguing that export-led growth remains the only sustainable path to long-term economic stability.
Ahsan Iqbal said rising foreign exchange reserves cannot be achieved without a significant increase in exports, adding that Pakistan must focus on productivity, competitiveness, and value-added industries to improve its position in global markets.
The minister also highlighted population growth as a major economic challenge, saying the country needs to reduce both the population growth rate and child stunting levels to improve long-term development outcomes.
He called for greater coordination between the federal and provincial governments, saying both sides must work together to fund development priorities within limited resources.
Referring to water security concerns, Ahsan Iqbal said recent regional developments and India’s water-related actions have made investments in dams and irrigation infrastructure increasingly important.
However, he warned that prioritizing water projects leaves fewer resources available for other development needs.
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