Ahsan Iqbal calls on diaspora to back Pakistan’s growth through investment

WASHINGTON: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has urged Pakistani-American professionals, entrepreneurs and investors to take a more active role in Pakistan’s economic development, as the government seeks to widen its engagement with the United States beyond traditional trade ties.

Speaking at the 49th annual convention of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, the minister asked Pakistani-American professionals to support the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative and become partners in the country’s economic transformation.

The government’s renewed effort to deepen economic engagement with the US comes after a diplomatic breakthrough that improved Pakistan’s standing in Washington. The outreach is aimed at encouraging overseas Pakistanis to invest in sectors including healthcare, technology, exports and innovation.

Telemedicine proposal for 60 districts

Addressing Pakistani-American physicians, Iqbal proposed the creation of telemedicine support panels made up of US-based medical specialists for each of Pakistan’s 60 districts. Under the plan, doctors working in remote parts of the country would be able to consult overseas experts through digital platforms, with the objective of expanding access to specialist care and promoting the transfer of knowledge.

The planning minister also invited overseas medical professionals to contribute to the development of artificial intelligence-based healthcare solutions in Pakistan.

Investment and technology focus

In separate meetings with Pakistani-American business leaders, Iqbal called on overseas entrepreneurs and investors to increase investment, support technology transfer and help Pakistani businesses improve their access to global markets.

He said the government was following an export-led, innovation-driven growth strategy aimed at improving competitiveness, generating employment and drawing foreign direct investment. He also pointed to opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, renewable energy and climate resilience.

Iqbal said the Pakistani diaspora’s professional expertise and international business links could make an important contribution to the country’s long-term economic development. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate, maintaining policy continuity and strengthening cooperation with overseas Pakistanis, whom he described as one of the country’s most valuable strategic assets for achieving sustainable economic growth.