Future of our development depends on harnessing hidden potential of women and youth: Minister

Islamabad, April 17, 2014 (PPI-OT): Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, while addressed the “South Asian Conference on Women, Work and Poverty” organized by Social Policy and Development Centre and supported by Norwegian Government here on Thursday.

The Minister stated that human resource and social development is the first pillar of Pakistan Vision 2025 strategy and government is committed to bringing women into mainstream of development through interventions in social, economic, legal and political areas and Prime Minister has mandated that at least 50% of the financing of the self employment program must go to women.

The Minister further said that every country which showed miraculous development during last few decades, including China, Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, have shown four pre requisitions.

Firstly there was political stability and continuity of policies. Secondly, they had a clear and focused economic vision. Thirdly, their growth agenda centred around people’s development focusing on health, education and other social development of the people and lastly there was Peace and Security in these countries. He said that bringing peace and stability, not only within the country but in the whole of the region so that economic growth and inclusive development can be achieved, is a priority.

The Minister further said that we need to do research for evidence based policy making but there should be a clear link with development agenda. A ‘National Research Agenda Conference’ is being organized under HEC, in order to formulate a research agenda for the next decade. The purpose of the Conference is to finalize national research agenda in consultation with stakeholders to align knowledge base with the development agenda relevant to Pakistan Vision 2025 goals.”

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com