Pakistan Governance Forum 2023: Ahsan underscores need for restructuring economy

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal have emphasized the importance of restructuring the economy to become an export-led growth economy.

While addressing as chief guest at the inaugural session of the two days Pakistan Governance Forum 2023 on Tuesday, the federal minister acknowledged the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, social transformation, and the growing demand for active citizen participation in governance. He stressed the need for a balanced approach that embraces change while preserving stability and order in society.

The minister urged for an inclusive and collaborative approach to governance, where political differences are set aside, and the entire nation works together as Team Pakistan to address the country’s challenges. He also stressed the significance of effective local governments to bring governance closer to communities and ensure their active participation in decision-making processes.

He highlighted the importance of the 5Es framework for Pakistan’s progress, focusing on Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Equity. He emphasized the significance of restructuring the economy to become an export-led growth economy and harnessing the power of Pakistan’s young population to become a leading player in the digital economy.

The planning minister expressed his commitment to work for the prosperity and growth of Pakistan, urging everyone to adopt a positive and collaborative approach.

It is noted that the Planning Ministry had established Governance Innovation Lab GIL to ensure transparency and improve service delivery in the country. The key objective of the lab is to enhance transparency and resolve problems faced by various government departments. About the governance challenges, the minister highlighted the implementation of policies and the importance of practical actions in bridging the “knowing-doing gap.”

He expressed his commitment to work towards the prosperity and growth of Pakistan, urging everyone to adopt a positive and collaborative approach. He called for a collective effort in finding practical and doable ways to implement the country’s knowledge and wisdom for achieving sustainable development goals.

The much-awaited two-day Pakistan Governance Forum 2023 started on Tuesday to develop a roadmap for a stable, transparent, Agile and Responsible (STAR) governance system in the country. The two-day event has been started under a landmark initiative of “Turnaround Pakistan”, and is anticipated to serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap that will shape the future of governance in Pakistan.

During the two-day moot, as many as 24 sessions are being held side-by-side under different themes in which experts shared their expertise, giving solutions to the confronted challenges in diverse fields. Member Governance, Innovation and Reforms at the Planning Commission Dr Adnan Rafiq, in his inaugural session outlined the essential components of STAR Governance system. He said that Pakistan Governance Forum 2023 is a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic principles and fostering a better Pakistan for all its citizens.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023