Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal Sunday delivered a bold and wide-ranging media talk in his hometown of Narowal, combining Eid greetings with sharp geopolitical warnings and a strong defense of the government's economic policy.
Wishing the nation a joyful Eid-ul-Adha, Ahsan Iqbal used the festive occasion to send a clear message to India, warning that any attempt to block Pakistan's river waters would backfire.
“If India thinks it can damage Pakistan’s economy by stopping our share of river water, it is mistaken,” he said. “We will not allow such water terrorism.”
He emphasised the urgent need to complete the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, which he said would enhance Pakistan’s water storage capacity by 6 million acre-feet, ensuring water security and strengthening agricultural productivity.
Iqbal also took a jab at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring that “Operation Sindoor” has met its logical end with Modi’s political defeat, and said the narrative of revenge and hatred is now collapsing across the region.
Turning to domestic matters, the Planning Minister said that the new federal budget—due to be presented in a few days—reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic stability.
“On April 1, 2022, the previous government had bankrupted Pakistan’s economy,” he claimed, adding that both the PDM coalition and the one-year PML-N administration had worked hard to restore stability by complying with IMF conditions.
Iqbal highlighted a sharp drop in the bank policy rate, which has fallen from 23% to 11%, calling it a positive sign for future investment in Pakistan.
He also called on every citizen to pay their due taxes, stressing that the government has proposed relief in the new budget and now expects tax compliance in return.
“Just as we’ve succeeded in the defence sector, we must also triumph economically. Every Pakistani must play their part by paying taxes,” Iqbal said.
The minister said the economic momentum must be sustained to put Pakistan on a sustainable growth trajectory.