By- Farooq Mirza
New York: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and former Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan addressed a media and Community talk during Ahsan Iqbal’s visit to the United States, emphasizing the vital role of overseas Pakistanis in the country’s economic growth, institutional development, and future prosperity.
Speaking to journalists and Community after meeting members of the Pakistani-American community, Ahsan Iqbal said the purpose of his U.S. visit was to strengthen engagement with overseas Pakistanis and encourage them to become active partners in Pakistan’s development journey.
He said the Pakistani diaspora continues to make the country proud by excelling in medicine, engineering, technology, education, research, entrepreneurship, and other professional fields across the United States.
“The success of overseas Pakistanis proves that our nation has extraordinary talent. The challenge is not a lack of capable people but creating an environment in Pakistan where talent can flourish,” he said.
The planning minister stressed that Pakistan needs policy continuity, political stability, and strong institutions to transform its economic potential into sustainable growth. He explained that even the best development plans cannot succeed without a supportive ecosystem that allows reforms to continue beyond changes in governments.
Referring to Pakistan’s economic history, Ahsan Iqbal said successive political disruptions had prevented several reform initiatives from achieving their intended objectives. He noted that long-term national planning requires consistency and institutional commitment rather than short-term policy shifts.
Discussing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government’s tenure beginning in 2013, he highlighted progress made in addressing electricity shortages, improving the country’s security situation, and launching major infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said these initiatives had laid the foundation for stronger economic growth before political uncertainty interrupted the reform process.
Former Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir Khanalso addressed the media, saying overseas Pakistanis are among the country’s greatest national assets. He praised the Pakistani-American community for strengthening Pakistan’s image through professional excellence, business success, and public service.
He said greater collaboration between Pakistan and its diaspora would help attract investment, promote technology transfer, and create new opportunities for economic cooperation.
Both leaders urged overseas Pakistanis to remain connected with their homeland by investing in Pakistan, sharing professional expertise, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and contributing to national development initiatives.
They expressed confidence that with political stability, institutional reforms, and sustained engagement with overseas Pakistanis, Pakistan can unlock its economic potential and achieve long-term prosperity.
