Govt directs provinces to submit action plans for socio-economic uplift

July 24,2025 (MLN): The government has directed all provinces to urgently submit action plans and performance indicators to accelerate socio-economic development in underprivileged regions, including Balochistan, the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), South Punjab, and Interior Sindh.

The move is being led by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, said a press release issued.

Alongside this, a nationwide initiative was announced to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal, including the establishment of Iqbal Chairs in universities and a renewed focus on his philosophy of Khudi during Independence Day celebrations.

These decisions were made during the fifth meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on the Socio-Economic Domain.

The meeting brought together provincial finance ministers, Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, representatives from NACTA, senior federal and provincial officials, and members of socio-political committees.

Member Governance Dr. Adnan Rafiq presented a compliance report on earlier decisions, while the Minister emphasized the need for concrete, outcome-driven implementation.

Provinces were urged to prepare measurable frameworks, with Balochistan specifically asked to expedite its submission to the APEX Committee.

The Minister called for targeted interventions in selected districts of FATA and Balochistan, focused on youth development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive reforms.

He directed universities to eliminate ethnic or caste-based hostel allotments, ensuring mixed accommodation to foster unity.

Concerns were raised over the lack of engagement with past scholarship recipients from Balochistan.

The Minister noted that over 5,000 students had received scholarships between 2013 and 2018, yet little is known about their current status.

He instructed universities and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to establish structured mentorship programs and career counseling, particularly for students from underdeveloped areas.

In the cultural domain, a dedicated committee will oversee the national commemoration of Allama Iqbal.

The government has allocated funding for the Iqbal Cultural Institute and tasked the HEC with establishing relevant academic departments and Chairs. “We have collectively failed to uphold Iqbal’s vision. He is not just a cultural symbol but a philosophical necessity,” Ahsan Iqbal remarked.

NACTA has also been tasked with developing teacher training modules to promote interfaith harmony.

Broader calls were made for cultural sensitivity in policymaking and greater inclusion of women in socio-economic reforms.

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