ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has set an ambitious target to boost the country’s development rate to 6% by 2029. Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, announced this goal as part of the new five-year plan.
He shared these details during a press conference on Thursday, where he unveiled the 13th Five-Year Plan and provided an update on monthly development alongside Chief Economist Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed.
According to Minister Iqbal, the national economy is projected to reach $600 billion within the next five years. The government also plans a significant increase in development spending, with the federal development budget set to reach PKR 1,700 billion and provincial development budgets aiming for PKR 2,338 billion by 2029.
During the press conference, a notable decision regarding recovered funds also came to light. Ahsan Iqbal revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has approved the establishment of a Danish University in Islamabad. This university will be funded using 190 million pounds that were reportedly embezzled by the founder of PTI, Imran Khan.
Minister Iqbal explained that this substantial amount was recovered by the UK’s National Crime Agency during the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The decision to use these specific funds for a new university underscores the government’s commitment to both development and accountability.
