Ahsan Iqbal Urges Diaspora to Invest in Pakistan's Growth

Pakistan is actively seeking to deepen its economic ties with the United States, moving beyond traditional trade to encourage investment from overseas Pakistanis in key sectors like healthcare, technology, and innovation. This renewed focus follows a recent diplomatic success that bolstered Pakistan's international standing.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, speaking at the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America's annual convention in Florida, called on Pakistani-American professionals and entrepreneurs to partner in the nation's economic transformation under the "URAAN Pakistan" initiative. He specifically proposed creating telemedicine support panels, staffed by US-based medical specialists, for each of Pakistan's 60 districts. This program aims to enable doctors in remote areas to consult with international experts via digital platforms, thereby enhancing access to specialized healthcare and fostering knowledge exchange.

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The diaspora's professional expertise and global business networks could play an important role in supporting Pakistan’s long-term economic development.

Iqbal also encouraged overseas medical professionals to contribute to Pakistan's development of artificial intelligence-based healthcare solutions. In separate discussions with business leaders, he invited entrepreneurs and investors to increase their investments, facilitate technology transfers, and help Pakistani businesses access global markets. The minister highlighted the government's commitment to an export-led, innovation-driven growth strategy focused on improving competitiveness, creating jobs, and attracting foreign direct investment.

The minister pointed to significant opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, renewable energy, and climate resilience. He stressed that the Pakistani diaspora's professional expertise and global business networks are vital assets for Pakistan's long-term economic development. Iqbal reiterated the government's dedication to improving the investment climate, ensuring policy consistency, and strengthening partnerships with overseas Pakistanis, whom he described as a crucial strategic asset for achieving sustainable economic growth.

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The government was pursuing an export-led and innovation-driven growth strategy designed to improve competitiveness, create jobs and attract foreign direct investment.