Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, has said that Pakistan’s successful counter-terrorism campaign under Operation Bunyanum al-Marsoos must now be mirrored in the economic arena, calling for a national effort to achieve financial sustainability and modernisation.
Speaking to media representatives in Narowal, the minister praised the armed forces and national institutions for their achievements in dismantling terrorist networks across the country. “We have achieved remarkable success in Operation Bunyanum al-Marsoos,” he said. “Now, we must replicate this success in the economy with the same unity, resolve, and discipline.”
Iqbal stressed the urgent need to increase Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which currently hovers around 10.5 percent, among the lowest in the world. “Our ambitions for national development are enormous, but tax compliance remains minimal,” he remarked. “To raise this ratio to 16–18 percent, every citizen must contribute by paying taxes honestly.”
He urged current taxpayers to act as guardians against tax evasion, emphasising that civic responsibility must accompany legal obligations. “Those who already pay taxes should play a watchdog role against tax evaders,” he added.
On the path to sustainable development, the minister emphasized the importance of export-led growth, stating that annual export increases of merely $1–2 billion would not suffice. “Pakistan needs leaps of $5–10 billion annually in exports to make meaningful progress,” he asserted.
Iqbal also shared that the government is working on proposals in the upcoming budget to transform Pakistan into a technology-driven economy, with particular investment in modern infrastructure and innovation.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s scientific and defence advancements, he said: “Our scientists and engineers have achieved two major milestones. On May 28, Pakistan became a nuclear power, and on May 10, our armed forces gave a resolute response that shattered India’s arrogance.”
