National security linked to economic stability: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a special meeting on the alignment of sectoral priorities, plans and interventions with URAAN Pakistan here Thursday, attended by Chief Economist Planning Commission Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Project Director URAAN Pakistan Irma Malik, members of the Planning Commission and senior officials from federal and provincial ministries.

Minister Iqbal paid rich tribute to the timely, effective and courageous response of the Pakistan Air Force against Indian aggression. He said Pakistan’s aircraft are not merely machines—they symbolise national dignity, pride and an unwavering commitment to the defence of the motherland. “A nation that knows how to defend its territory can never be defeated by any enemy.”

He said the brave air warriors of the Pakistan Air Force downed five Indian jets in a swift counter-operation, sending a strong message that the Pakistani nation remains vigilant and fully capable of responding to any hostile intent.

“By delivering a robust and fitting reply, our armed forces demonstrated to the world the consequences that await those who cast an evil eye on Pakistan,” he said, adding that he was confident that after a fair response, India would think ten times before repeating such aggression.

The minister, however, said the act of Indian hostility would not deter Pakistan from its real agenda—Pakistan’s economic development.

He emphasised that true national security today is directly linked to economic strength. “Until Pakistan becomes economically strong, it cannot ensure a prosperous future for its people. “We must achieve our development goals and make Pakistan a developed nation and break away from the mindset of business as usual. Business as usual will not allow us to utilise our national potential. We need to move forward with a bold, future-oriented approach,” he said.

The minister noted that in the past, Pakistan had successfully turned its economy around and is now ready for a new take-off.