Poverty alleviation key to human development, sustainable economic prosperity: Ahsan

ISLAMABAD  –  Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initi­atives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday stressed that poverty al­leviation, human resource devel­opment and improved social in­dicators must remain top national priorities to transform Pakistan into a sustainable and competitive economy.

Addressing an international conference on Pakistan’s Vision for Inclusive and Resilient Eco­nomic Transformation, he said it was imperative to ensure that the benefits of development reached every citizen and region, with eq­uitable access to economic oppor­tunities.

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He said poverty was not mere­ly a lack of income but also limit­ed access to education, healthcare, nutrition and decent employment.

Expressing concern over the ris­ing poverty rate and weak social indicators in Pakistan, he stressed that addressing these fundamen­tal challenges was essential for sustainable national development.

Ahsan Iqbal said around 25 mil­lion children were out of school in Pakistan, while the rate of child stunting stood at approximately 40 per cent.

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Without improvements in edu­cation, healthcare and nutrition, he said, Pakistan could not com­pete effectively in the global econ­omy.

He termed early childhood de­velopment, quality education and investment in human re­sources fundamental to future economic growth.

The minister said the govern­ment’s focus was not limited to assessing poverty levels; rather, its ultimate objective was to lift people out of poverty and enable them to achieve self-sufficiency.

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He said the government was in­tensifying and accelerating its ef­forts while mobilising all relevant stakeholders to achieve this goal.

He said sustainable poverty alle­viation required more than finan­cial assistance or the provision of productive assets to deserv­ing families, adding tey also need­ed skills, business capital, access to markets and reliable livelihood opportunities.

He emphasised women’s eco­nomic empowerment, employ­ment opportunities for young peo­ple and the role of universities in promoting the development of lo­cal communities.

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Ahsan Iqbal said the govern­ment intended to link pover­ty alleviation initiatives with ev­idence-based policymaking, measurable outcomes and effec­tive monitoring to ensure stable incomes, savings, improved nutri­tion and a better quality of life.

Calling for prosperous districts to become partners in the devel­opment of underdeveloped areas, the minister stressed promoting self-reliance and mutual support. He pointed out that 11 of Paki­stan’s 20 poorest districts were lo­cated in Balochistan.

He said resources and capabili­ties must be pooled to extend the benefits of development to every region and reduce regional ine­qualities.

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