ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning and Development and Special Initiatives, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to allocating sizeable funds for the improvement of infrastructure, education, environmental protection, social development, and other crucial areas.
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasized the need for a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the country’s development needs while maximizing the value of scarce public resources when speaking at the “National Conference on Empowered Local Governments-Moving Forward to Accelerate the Implementation of SDGs Agenda2030.” The conference offered a forum for debates and discussions on advancing sustainable development and improving local governance. In order to collaborate on achieving the SDGs, the event brought together representatives of the government, civil society organizations, and international partners.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed the importance of collaboration, partnership and coordination with all stakeholders, particularly at the local level, to effectively work towards SDGs’ implementation and realization.
He acknowledged the significant role of local governments in achieving sustainable development and called for empowering them through decentralization. He emphasized that local governments should be given the necessary functions and powers to address public problems, promote democracy and ensure effective governance.
The minister urged all stakeholders to advocate for empowering local governments to strengthen the democratic system in the country to achieve social prosperity and sustainable economic development.
He also highlighted the economic challenges faced by the country, expressing the government’s determination to overcome them. He underscored the need for structural reforms, both in the economy and society, and called for changes in lifestyle and priorities to ensure a prosperous future.
The minister reiterated the government’s determination to lead the country toward economic stability and a brighter future, emphasizing that the vision presented was not mere rhetoric but a call for action.
