July 27, 2022: Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal urged the Parliamentarians to play their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eliminate poverty and hunger from Pakistan by 2030 and ensure the necessary resources and legislation is in place.
He expressed these views while addressing the Seminar on SDGs on Wednesday. The event was attended by the Parliamentarians, donors, and others. Pakistan was the first country in the world to accept the SDGs but there is a huge challenge ahead in achieving the goals, said the Minister while addressing a keynote. Pakistan is committed to the implementation of SDGs.
The Minister said that all political parties are committed to providing the basic facilities to the masses therefore, a clear road map should be made in order to achieve the SDGs by 2030. He also highlighted the important role of legislation which has a primary role in the Parliament and Standing Committees have a role for oversight over the implementation of SDGs in the country. “These goals cannot be achieved unless we localize them in provinces and at the district level, '' said the Minister while stressing to highlight and create awareness among the public over SDGs.
The Minister further added that the country cannot progress if there is political instability and a lack of continuity in policies. Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that the youth of the country has a major role that cannot be ignored and our prime focus should be to provide opportunities for education, skill development, and sports so that they can play a positive role.
