MQM and All Coalition Partners Stand with Government, Says Ahsan Iqbal
HOUSTON: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has said that there is no hybrid system in Pakistan, asserting that all state institutions are working in the same direction for the country’s national interest.
Addressing members of the Pakistani diaspora in Houston, Ahsan Iqbal said that coordination between state institutions and the political leadership is one of Pakistan’s greatest strengths.
He emphasized that unless greater administrative powers are devolved to the grassroots level, demands for the creation of new provinces could increase in the future.
The minister stated that all coalition partners, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), remain firmly aligned with the government, adding that the ruling alliance faces no threat. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif makes every effort to address the concerns of coalition partners without delay.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that Pakistan-U.S. relations should move beyond geopolitics and be strengthened on the basis of geoeconomic cooperation.
He revealed that a leading Silicon Valley technology company is willing to establish an office in Pakistan. He also said progress has been made with American universities on collaboration in robotic surgery, artificial intelligence (AI), and higher education.
According to the minister, Pakistan has also reached an understanding with NASA and other U.S. institutions to expand cooperation in space education and space research. He added that SUPARCO has been assigned the goal of completing Pakistan’s lunar mission by 2035.
Highlighting the importance of science and innovation, Ahsan Iqbal said space technology would play a vital role in addressing the challenges of climate change, making it essential to connect the younger generation with science, space research, and advanced technologies.
He further said that Pakistan’s diplomatic, defense, and economic achievements have strengthened international confidence in the country.
The federal minister reiterated that the government’s top priority is to boost exports and achieve economic self-reliance, noting that Pakistan cannot eliminate its dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) without significantly increasing exports.
He also urged overseas Pakistanis to act as economic ambassadors by promoting Pakistani products worldwide and helping the country access new international markets.
