Strengthening Ties: US Congressional Delegation Meets with Planning Minister

Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, has stressed the importance of forging a renewed and balanced relationship between Pakistan and the United States. This new equilibrium should be built on current global conditions, mutual confidence, and a collaborative partnership focused on development.

These remarks were made during a meeting in Islamabad with a US Congressional Delegation (Codel). The delegation was led by Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI) and included Representatives Thomas Richard Suozzi, Jonathan L Jackson, alongside other high-ranking US officials.

The meeting centered on reinforcing the bilateral relations between Pakistan and the US, especially concerning development cooperation and future partnerships across diverse sectors, according to a news release.

Iqbal welcomed the delegation, highlighting the enduring connection between Pakistan and the United States. He emphasized the shared values, mutual respect, and joint commitment to progress that underpin this relationship. He affirmed that Pakistan’s long-standing and extensive relationship with the United States remains a crucial aspect of its foreign policy. He also noted that a robust partnership between the two nations significantly contributes to regional stability and global peace, particularly in today’s volatile global environment.

Iqbal underscored the necessity of understanding Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges in light of the two US-led wars in the region. He noted that Pakistan has borne the major impact of hosting over 3.5 million refugees for more than three decades, which led to societal issues such as the proliferation of drugs and weapons, and the rise of extremism.

The minister emphasized the need to establish a new foundation in bilateral ties focused on development, particularly in areas such as education, energy, climate change, infrastructure, and information technology.

Drawing from his own academic background in the United States, Iqbal acknowledged the transformative influence of US higher education in shaping global leaders and innovators. He mentioned initiatives like the Fulbright Scholarship Program, the largest of its kind globally, which has enabled thousands of Pakistani students to gain access to world-class education and make significant contributions to national development.

Advocating for enhanced cooperation in the education sector, the minister emphasized the importance of the “Pak-US Knowledge Corridor” and the establishment of campuses of top-tier American universities in Pakistan, assuring the government’s full support. He called for academic partnerships and joint programs to cultivate a highly skilled human resource base, which is crucial for Pakistan’s sustainable growth and future prosperity.

Referring to the devastating floods of 2022, Ahsan Iqbal recalled the immense economic loss of over $30 billion, which affected nearly one-third of the country. He highlighted the importance of renewed collaboration in climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

In the agricultural sector, the minister highlighted the success of the Green Revolution in the 1960s, which was made possible through U.S. support and helped Pakistan achieve food security by introducing high-yield wheat varieties. He called for a “Green Revolution 2.0” to address climate change, advocating for smart and climate-resilient agriculture through technology transfer and joint ventures.

Referring to the information technology sector, he described it as Pakistan’s most promising field, driven by a young and talented population. He noted that Pakistan has emerged as the third-largest supplier of freelance IT professionals globally, with skills comparable to global standards. He welcomed interest from US companies looking to expand their presence in Pakistan and termed the youth as the country’s most valuable asset, capable of transforming challenges into opportunities.

The minister also highlighted key initiatives such as the “URAAN Pakistan” program and the government’s “5Es Framework,” which aims to address long-standing economic issues and place Pakistan on a sustainable growth path by 2047.

The framework focuses on five priority areas: exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment. He emphasized the need to expand Pakistan’s exports for sustained economic growth.

The minister highlighted that peace & harmony, political stability, continuity of policies and commitment to reforms are prerequisites for sustained economic growth, stating that no country can progress in the absence of an economic system based on these factors. Pakistan in the past has suffered due to a lack of political stability & continuity of policies. He explained reforms being undertaken by the government.

He further underlined the vital role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth and called for increased collaboration in this area with US businesses.

The US delegation expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and commended Minister Ahsan Iqbal for his vision and leadership, describing him as a symbol of the values the United States seeks to promote in Pakistan.

They acknowledged Pakistan’s immense potential across various sectors and stressed the need to engage the private sector to unlock investment opportunities and build investor confidence.

The delegation reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries and enhancing collaboration in key areas.

The delegation extended an invitation to the minister to participate in the seminar being held on 30 April 2025 in Washington, DC on promoting Pak-US Relations.

In closing, Iqbal welcomed the resumption of Congressional exchanges with Pakistan as a positive development and appreciated the US initiative to hold a symposium on Pakistan at the Library of Congress on April 30.

He reiterated that Pakistan, as an emerging democracy, is undergoing important phases of development and stands ready to work closely with its international partners in building a prosperous future.