Ahsan Iqbal Calls For Greater Investment In Education And Poverty Reduction
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called for a stronger national focus on reducing poverty and improving human development, saying Pakistan’s long-term economic progress depends on ensuring that people across the country have access to essential services and opportunities.
Speaking at an international conference on inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction in October 2026, he highlighted how deprivation extends beyond household income. Limited access to schools, healthcare, nutritious food and stable employment can prevent families from improving their living conditions.
Iqbal highlighted two significant challenges facing Pakistan: approximately 25 million children are out of school, while around 40 per cent of children experience stunted growth. Both figures point to gaps in education, nutrition and access to essential services that can affect the country’s future workforce.
He emphasised that children need a strong foundation through early childhood development, quality education and adequate nutrition. Without progress in these areas, Pakistan risks limiting the ability of future generations to contribute to economic growth and compete in an increasingly skills-driven global economy.
Iqbal called for greater economic participation among women and young people, alongside a stronger role for universities in supporting local communities. Expanding employment opportunities and building practical skills, he said, are important steps towards enabling more people to participate in economic activity.
He also drew attention to the unequal distribution of poverty across Pakistan, noting that 11 of the country’s 20 poorest districts are located in Balochistan. He urged more prosperous districts to support less-developed areas by sharing resources, strengthening local capabilities and creating opportunities for communities to become self-reliant.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called for a stronger national focus on reducing poverty and improving human development, saying Pakistan’s long-term economic progress depends on ensuring that people across the country have access to essential services and opportunities.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called for a stronger national focus on reducing poverty and improving human development, saying Pakistan’s long-term economic progress depends on ensuring that people across the country have access to essential services and opportunities.
Speaking at an international conference on inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction in October 2026, he highlighted how deprivation extends beyond household income. Limited access to schools, healthcare, nutritious food and stable employment can prevent families from improving their living conditions.
Iqbal highlighted two significant challenges facing Pakistan: approximately 25 million children are out of school, while around 40 per cent of children experience stunted growth. Both figures point to gaps in education, nutrition and access to essential services that can affect the country’s future workforce.
He emphasised that children need a strong foundation through early childhood development, quality education and adequate nutrition. Without progress in these areas, Pakistan risks limiting the ability of future generations to contribute to economic growth and compete in an increasingly skills-driven global economy.
Iqbal called for greater economic participation among women and young people, alongside a stronger role for universities in supporting local communities. Expanding employment opportunities and building practical skills, he said, are important steps towards enabling more people to participate in economic activity.
He also drew attention to the unequal distribution of poverty across Pakistan, noting that 11 of the country’s 20 poorest districts are located in Balochistan. He urged more prosperous districts to support less-developed areas by sharing resources, strengthening local capabilities and creating opportunities for communities to become self-reliant.
