ISLAMABAD: The minister for planning, Ahsan Iqbal, has said India was wasting the opportunity to develop a regional economic hub in South Asia because of their hostile policies.

The minister was speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Monday, at a public talk on the ‘Imperatives of Peace and Development in Pakistan’.

Mr Iqbal said the prime minister wanted to adopt a zero conflict policy with the neighbours but “it is unfortunate to see that India is not focused on promoting a regional development agenda”.

He said the escalating tension in the region might be a ploy by the Indian government to move Pakistan’s focus from current development-oriented policies. He added: “Pakistan’s de-escalation policies have been internationally recognised. We want to talk about South Asia and the problems here that are hindering growth and prosperity in the region.”

Govt vision will make Pakistan one of top economies by 2047, says minister

The planning minister said South Asia has the world’s largest poverty mass and that leaders of the region had a responsibility to address the issue.

Mr Iqbal blamed lack of planning by the previous government for the country’s economic problems. He informed the audience about ‘vision 2025’ which is aimed at maintaining economic growth and then transforming it into economic development. He said the government’s strategy, based on seven pillars and policy reforms, would lead Pakistan to become one of the top 10 economies by 2047.

He highlighted the government’s efforts to bring about a ‘knowledge revolution’ in Pakistan but admitted that school -level education across the country was not up to desired standards.

“This is because provincial bureaucracy is not willing to delegate power to district education departments,” he said, adding that “secretary education should not be involved in the hiring, promotion and transfers of teachers and other employees”.

Masood Khan, who is the director general ISSI, said Pakistan’s economy had recovered from setbacks of the past and had flourished, which was evident in the country’s economic ratings by international economic institutions.

He said the country should continue with the current positive outlook and carry on to attain an even higher level of sustainable growth and development.

Khalid Mehmood, chairman board of governors ISSI, said Pakistan should continue working towards a peaceful neighbourhood policy.

He said: “The most serious challenge faced by the region is terrorism and Pakistan’s role in fighting it has been appreciated internationally.”

He added that India had tried to disrupt our fight against terrorism by escalating tension on our Eastern border.

Mr Mehmood stressed on the importance of not losing focus and continuing to work towards development and growth.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2015

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