Political stability vital for development: Ahsan Iqbal

Says fast development could not be materialised because of inconsistent policies

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal stressed that political stability was vital for sustainable development.

Addressing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor International Logistic Forum being held in Islamabad on Thursday, the minister said that fast development could not be materialised in Pakistan due to lack of political stability and consistency of policies.

“Equal development of all the provinces and backward areas is a guarantee to country's prosperity and progress,” Ahsan underscored adding that Pakistan has paid a heavy price for political instability in the past.



The minister said that the PML-N-led government believes in augmenting the development activities in the country and has started many projects in this regard.

“Gwadar Port project remained suspended owing to political instability in the country and the incumbent government has revived this project,” he said.

Ahsan said the government has also completed a number of infrastructure projects to ensure swift and durable progress in the country. He said an important highway linking Gwadar to Quetta has been completed.

The government has also started work on Karachi-Peshawar motorway and construction of Multan-Sukkur highway will be completed by the end of next year under CPEC, he said.

Ahsan added that a new motorway from Burhan to DI Khan on the western route of the CPEC is also under construction.



The minister said that the government has also successfully revived Pakistan Railways.

“Pakistan's economy will get a competitive position after strengthening the logistic sector”, he underscored adding that nine special economic zones under CPEC were being established with the cooperation of provinces.

He said relocation of Chinese industry to Pakistan will create hundreds of jobs for country's youth.