Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep-rooted economic and cultural ties with the United Kingdom.

During a meeting with British Parliamentarians at Portcullis House, Westminster, today (Wednesday), he stressed Pakistan’s focus on enhancing trade and economic cooperation with the key partners to achieve shared prosperity.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of British Pakistanis in fortifying the bond between the two nations and encouraged deeper engagement in Pakistan’s development efforts.

Highlighting key economic indicators under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he shared inflation has been reduced from thirty-eight percent to four percent and Pakistan’s stock market has witnessed unprecedented growth. Additionally, he said exports and remittances have both increased by thirty percent, while IT exports have surged by thirty-four percent.

He briefed the Parliamentarians on URAAN PAKISTAN, a national development initiative aimed at the holistic upliftment of 240 million Pakistanis.

The Minister emphasized that the initiative has been designed to foster economic and social progress.

He said the URAAN PAKISTAN initiative strikes a balance between economic growth and social development, ensuring that Pakistan’s progress is inclusive and sustainable.

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships, he underscored the importance of strategic ties with the United Kingdom, United States, China, Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union.