Ahsan Iqbal wants media to track development outcomes

Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged journalists on Friday to examine whether development programmes are producing results, Mettis Global reported, citing APP. Speaking at a media dialogue, he said sustained coverage could raise neglected national priorities and hold institutions accountable, including literacy, population growth, early childhood care, higher education and the use of public development funds.

Iqbal said Pakistan should aim for $100bn in exports by 2035 to reduce dependence on the IMF and external financing. He contrasted Pakistan’s exports of around $40bn with Vietnam’s $475bn, and said only 13% of Pakistani youth access higher education. He also pointed to a survey finding that nearly half of tested packaged milk and ghee samples failed prescribed standards, and said media scrutiny should assess project outcomes beyond inauguration ceremonies.