Every Penny of Development Budget Being Spent Transparently: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, has stated that Pakistan has achieved historic success on both the defense and diplomatic fronts, and that every penny of the development budget is being utilized efficiently and transparently.
He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation led by Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Speaker of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The meeting was also attended by former AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, the AJK Minister for Communications, and other officials.
Ahsan Iqbal assured that funds will be released promptly for the speedy completion of development projects in Kashmir. He highlighted the importance of AJK’s tourist destinations, stating they play a significant role in boosting Pakistan’s economy.
The minister reiterated the Planning Ministry’s full support for the construction of the AJK Legislative Assembly Complex and confirmed that the construction of the Ratto-Haryam Bridge is progressing rapidly and will be completed soon.
He also emphasized the need to expand the tax culture in Pakistan, pointing out that the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio is still low. Iqbal added that the upcoming NFC Award will include allocations for Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the former FATA region.