Farooq Mirza :
New York: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Pakistan Muslim League (N) Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal addressed a gathering organized by PML-N USA at Ahmed Jan’s House in New York State .
during his visit to the United States, stating that the government is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s economy, increase exports, promote modern technology, and eliminate terrorism.
The event began with a warm welcome from the host Ahmed Jan , who said that Ahsan Iqbal is not only a federal minister but also the Secretary General of Pakistan Muslim League (N), and has played a vital role in shaping the party’s policies, manifesto, and national development vision. He added that Ahsan Iqbal has served both the party and the people with dedication for many years and has maintained a close relationship with PML-N USA for decades.
Rohail Dar recalled that during the difficult years when the PML-N leadership was in exile, Ahsan Iqbal continued to encourage party workers and urged them to remain steadfast in their struggle. He said that those efforts ultimately contributed to the party’s return to public service.
In his address, Ahsan Iqbal apologized for the delay in the program, explaining that his visit to the United States was primarily a personal one. However, he said he had utilized the opportunity to promote Pakistan’s interests by engaging with the Pakistani-American community, universities, and research institutions. These meetings, he noted, produced positive outcomes in the areas of higher education, research, and bilateral cooperation.
He said overseas Pakistanis are one of the country’s greatest assets and that his visit would not have been complete without meeting them. He also praised PML-N USA members for their unwavering commitment and loyalty to the party through challenging times.
Speaking about Pakistan’s economy, Ahsan Iqbal said it was unfortunate that despite being a nuclear power, Pakistan has fallen far behind in economic development. He recalled that several national development initiatives, including Vision 2010, had been launched in the past, but political instability and the lack of policy continuity prevented the country from achieving its full potential.
He pointed out that nearly 9 million overseas Pakistanis send approximately $40 billion in remittances to the country every year, while Pakistan’s population of around 250 million generates exports worth only about $40 billion annually. He described this imbalance as deeply concerning and stressed that Pakistan’s exports should be several times higher considering its population and resources.
The federal minister said the government is modernizing the agriculture, industrial, and technology sectors to improve productivity, introduce advanced technologies, and build a stronger economic foundation. He said the government’s target is to increase Pakistan’s exports to $100 billion by 2035.
Discussing regional security, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan continues to face the challenge of terrorism, with hostile forces attempting to create instability in the country. He said that during the previous PML-N government, the country’s armed forces and civilian leadership successfully defeated terrorism and restored peace, adding that the current government remains fully committed to eliminating terrorism once again.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s journey toward peace, stability, and development will not be allowed to be sabotaged, and that the government, in cooperation with the country’s security institutions, will continue taking effective action against all anti-state elements.
Concluding his address, Ahsan Iqbal thanked overseas Pakistanis for their invaluable contributions, saying they not only play a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy but also serve as ambassadors of the country’s positive image around the world. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the Pakistani diaspora and ensuring their active participation in Pakistan’s national development.
