Pakistan's national development outlay rises 50% in 2 years: Ahsan Iqbal

June 12, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan's national development outlay has increased by 50% in 2 years, said Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Thursday, he noted that the national development outlay was Rs2.832 trillion in 2023–24 and it has now risen to Rs4.2tr, as per the press release issued.

He attributed this increase to enhanced revenue collection, explaining that the provinces receive a 60% share of the collected revenue, which has led to a rise in their annual development plans.

The Minister for Planning said our five-year plan envisaged allocation of Rs4.2tr for the development budget in the fifth year, but this target has been achieved in the second year, describing it as encouraging.

Outlining the priorities, Ahsan Iqbal said it has been decided to put Baluchistan on the path of accelerated development.

He said Rs230 billion have been earmarked in the development budget for projects in Balochistan to improve its connectivity. 

He said our next thrust is on the water sector and the completion of water reservoirs.

Referring to the weaponization of water by India, he made it clear that India will not be allowed to stop water.

However, he emphasized that Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams will be completed on war footing.

The Minister for Planning said infrastructure projects that improve regional connectivity are also our priority.   

Ahsan Iqbal said the government is focusing on equipping the youth with the latest skills.

He said a program will be implemented to train over 200,000 youth in IT skills.

He mentioned that the Elimination of Hepatitis program has also been initiated in the health sector for Rs64bn.

He said Jinnah Medical Complex and Daanish University will be established in the federal capital.

He said a special economic zone of 1500 acres of land will be established in Karachi.

Ahsan Iqbal said the Uraan Pakistan framework is being taken forward.  He added that our target is to achieve sustainable growth. 

He said the country's economic growth remained 2.7% in the current fiscal year, and our target for the next fiscal year is 4.2%.