Governance, Not Just Policy, Key to Pakistan’s Transformation: Ahsan Iqbal

Governance Key to Pakistan’s Transformation: Ahsan Iqbal
Nazrana Times Ali Imran Chattha 

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, stated that governance is the most critical factor in determining Pakistan’s transformation. Speaking at the UNDP–SDPI dialogue, he emphasized that strengthening institutions at federal, provincial, and local levels is essential for meaningful reforms.
He noted that Pakistan does not lack policies but faces challenges in implementation. Effective governance, he said, is reflected in everyday public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The minister highlighted that devolution remains incomplete without strong local governments and stressed the need to empower districts to address grassroots issues effectively.
He called for shifting focus from expenditures to measurable outcomes, improving transparency, and ensuring coordination among government, civil society, and development partners to achieve sustainable progress.