**Pakistan’s Planning Minister Calls for Decentralization and Population Control Amidst National Challenges**
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, has called for unified action beyond political divides to address Pakistan’s pressing challenges, including the urgent issue of rapid population growth and the need for more effective decentralization. Speaking at a policy briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Planning, the minister emphasized that sustainable economic growth hinges on these priorities.
Highlighting the limitations of the current governance structure, Prof. Iqbal noted that, despite the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provincial centralization continues to hinder the true spirit of devolution. He advocated for the empowerment of local governments, suggesting that Pakistan must either fully empower existing local systems or open a national dialogue on creating new administrative units to ensure more responsive and effective governance.
The minister also declared Pakistan’s accelerating population growth a national emergency, warning that unchecked expansion threatens to outpace the nation’s resources. To address this crisis, he announced the formation of a high-level National Task Force comprising religious leaders, civil society representatives, and domain experts. This body will be responsible for developing a comprehensive, coordinated national response to balance population growth with available resources.
During the briefing, Prof. Iqbal also outlined his ministry’s strategic vision and policy priorities under the “Uraan Pakistan – Five Es Framework.” This initiative aims to transform Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035, focusing on key growth drivers and reforms.
The minister’s remarks underscore the need for consensus-driven reforms and long-term planning to secure Pakistan’s economic future and social stability.
