After Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan Must Secure Economic Victory: Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th May, 2026) Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday that after the success of the 'Marka-e-Haq', Pakistan must now win 'Marka-e-Maeeshat' (economic victory), because strong defence cannot sustain without a strong economy.

Interacting with business community during his visit to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here, he added, if Pakistan focuses on exports, industrial growth and economic reforms over the next 10 years, the country can become one of the world’s leading economies.

Ahsan Iqbal said, the success in the “Battle of Truth” has placed a responsibility on the entire nation to strengthen the economy because history has shown that weak economies cannot sustain strong defense systems. He said the government is working with the private sector to promote exports, industrial growth and expansion of the tax net.

He added that the target of achieving 100 billion Dollars in exports by 2035 is as important for Pakistan as achieving nuclear capability once was.

He said Pakistan promoted peace, stability and dialogue through a balanced and responsible approach, which further strengthened the country’s positive image around the world.

Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic and defense achievements have improved the country’s image globally, and now the same spirit must be shown in the economic field. Exports are the only sustainable path for Pakistan’s economic development and that the government is removing unnecessary regulations, red tape and business barriers to support exports, he mentioned.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, former president Muhammad Ali Mian, former VP Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, and Executive Committee members were also present.

Federal Minister said that Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio is only 10.5 percent, while successful countries maintain ratios between 15 and 16 percent. He stressed the need for expanding tax net and elimination of tax evasion so as to lessen burden on the existing taxpayers.

He urged both the government and business community to work together to stabilize the economy and put Pakistan on the path of sustainable development and prosperity.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan must focus on value addition, better packaging, marketing, branding and international certification to increase exports.

He said Pakistan is the world’s fourth largest producer of dates, but the country is not gaining enough benefit due to the lack of value addition. Similarly, Pakistani mangoes, cutlery, fan manufacturing, handicrafts and other products have strong global potential.

He said China imports nearly 2.8 trillion dollars annually, but Pakistan’s share is only 3 billion dollars. Therefore, Pakistan needs to enter the Chinese market in a serious and organized manner.

He added that the government and private sector are in the same boat. The government’s role is to provide facilitation, while investment and economic growth are the responsibility of the private sector.

Earlier on his welcome address, Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol appreciated Pakistan's effective diplomatic role during recent global and regional tensions.

He also praised “Uraan Pakistan 2024–2029” programme, saying that its targets related to exports, digital economy, infrastructure, energy, environment and social development are encouraging.

Saigol said that Pakistan’s trade deficit has reached nearly 32 billion dollars in just ten months, making it essential for the country to immediately adopt a strong export-led growth strategy. He said planning, industrial policies and incentives should be aligned with export-oriented sectors so Pakistani products can compete effectively in global markets.

He also stressed the importance of value addition, export diversification and participation in global supply chains.

He said reducing the cost of doing business should be the government’s top priority, asserting that expensive electricity, high interest rates, multiple taxes and complex regulations are creating serious difficulties for industries. He added that the current regional situation, supply chain disruptions and uncertainty have further increased business costs.

LCCI President appreciated the government’s focus on development projects under Public Sector Development Programme and said development funds should be spent on projects which directly improve industry, exports, logistics and productivity. He also stressed the need for timely completion and effective monitoring of development projects.

He said that Ahsan Iqbal played a key role in the successful launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor from the very beginning. Due to his efforts, economic cooperation between Pakistan and China strengthened, creating new opportunities in energy, infrastructure, industry and transport sectors.

He added that the second phase of CPEC is focusing on industrial cooperation, Special Economic Zones, agriculture, IT, technology transfer and business partnerships. However, local business communities must be given an active role in joint ventures.

Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol also stressed the need for special industrial zones for small and medium enterprises. He said these zones should be provided shared facilities, warehouses, utilities, one-window operations and modern waste treatment systems to reduce costs and improve competitiveness for SMEs.

He said Pakistan’s IT and digital economy sectors have strong growth potential, therefore planning should prioritize digital infrastructure, IT exports, freelancing and innovation systems so the country’s youth can earn more foreign exchange.

He also emphasized the need for skills development, stronger links between industry and educational institutions, and promotion of international language programs.

The LCCI President also stressed the need to improve logistics and trade infrastructure, enhance national shipping capacity and improve air connectivity with Gwadar. He said limited flights between Lahore and Gwadar are creating difficulties for investors from Punjab.

He said the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which represents more than 48,000 members, is fully prepared to cooperate with the government in national economic planning and policy reforms. He also highlighted the need for continuous consultation between the Planning Commission and chambers of commerce.

He announced that Lahore Chamber will organize “Lahore Chamber Freelancing Awards” in June 2026 and invited Ahsan Iqbal as chief guest.