18th Amendment: Ahsan for greater transfer of resources, powers to districts

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal held a meeting with Sam Waldock, Development Director at the British High Commission in Islamabad, and discussed Pakistan’s development priorities, institutional reforms and bilateral cooperation.

Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need to strengthen local governance and ensure greater transfer of resources and powers to districts following the 18th Constitutional Amendment. He highlighted the government’s 5Es framework under URAAN Pakistan and sought continued UK support for initiatives relating to exports, climate resilience, human development and civil service reforms.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of demographic planning, equitable resource distribution and early childhood development initiatives, including awareness campaigns on nutrition, sanitation and clean drinking water.

Sam Waldock reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development priorities, particularly climate resilience, disaster preparedness and adaptation, and expressed readiness for continued cooperation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026