Exports Have to Grow to $100 Billion for Sustainable Growth: Ahsan Iqbal
Exports Have to Grow to $100 Billion for Sustainable Growth: Ahsan Iqbal
LAHORE : Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the need to increase tax revenues and improve Pakistan's economic base to support long-term development initiatives. Addressing the media at Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) on Saturday, he said national consensus, digital revolution, and youth empowerment were essential pillars for progress in the country. He reiterated that increasing tax revenues was paramount for building Pakistan's economic backbone to further long-term development endeavors.
Iqbal emphasized that the tax-to-GDP ratio of Pakistan, which stands at 10%, needs to be raised to 15% in order to decrease the reliance on foreign loans and become self-reliant in national development. He cautioned that unless tax revenues are enhanced, the government would be forced to borrow to finance development schemes, which is an unsustainable strategy.
The minister has appealed for a national movement against tax evasion and asked all citizens to consider this as a collective responsibility. He added that measures taken by the government to digitize processes have already enhanced transparency and reduced tax evasion, achieving good results. Referring to the share of salaried people, he said that they remit more than Rs. 400 billion in taxes every year.
Looking back at recent events, Iqbal said that Pakistan's international reputation has shifted since May 10, gaining an image of strength, stability, and resilience. He said the day was a historic turning point that filled the nation's enemies with fear. While calling to mind recent confessions by Indian military personnel, he claimed that Pakistan's air supremacy had been confirmed, affirming the country's defense strength.
Drawing parallels between the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in the security domain and the government’s economic ambitions, Iqbal emphasized that the same discipline, strategy, and determination must now be applied to achieve economic stability and growth. He set an ambitious target of increasing exports from $32 billion to $100 billion in the coming years to ensure sustainable development.
The minister also spoke of the success of programs such as the faceless customs clearance system, which has smoothened trade and curbed corruption. In terms of youth empowerment, he outlined the *Uraan Pakistan* program, aimed at education, technical skill training, and digital skill to get young Pakistanis ready for the future economy. "We are not educating our youth to sell chickens and eggs," he said. "We are preparing them with contemporary skills so that they can compete internationally."
As far as the coming federal budget is concerned, Iqbal assured that drafts would be tabled in the National Assembly on June 10. He underlined the importance of collective efforts against tax evasion, creating a culture of tax payment, and utilizing national resources for development.
Earlier, on his visit to PIFD, Iqbal had opened an art exhibition and visited student exhibits, appreciating their imagination and innovation. He praised the students as Pakistan's cultural representatives, observing that the international fashion industry worth trillions provides unlimited avenues for Pakistani talent to shine on global platforms such as Paris and New York.
Accepting infrastructural issues at PIFD, including the absence of hostel facilities for female students, he announced the release of Rs. 15 million to meet the need. On his way out, the minister also signed his appreciation in the institute's visitor book, praising students and faculty for their outstanding work.
Exhibition had included designs of students like Fanan Ullah, Hufsa Idrees, Misbah Batool, Muhammad Khuram, Muhammad Mukhtar, and Tayyaba Ashfaq.
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