Political stability must for economic progress: Ahsan

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said that international donors were praising Pakistan’s progress on economic front but the political opponents were still in denial mode.
“Pakistan cannot make progress without achieving political stability,” said Ahsan Iqbal while addressing 9th Citi-PPAF Micro-entrepreneurship awards ceremony here on Tuesday. The minister said the Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) would set stage for development and Chinese president would soon visit Pakistan to accelerate progress on this front.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), the 9th Citi-PPAF Micro-entrepreneurship Awards ceremony was held at a local hotel to celebrate the achievements of outstanding micro entrepreneurs across Pakistan who have been financially successful and made a difference to the communities they belong to.
Launched in 2005, the Citi Micro-entrepreneurship Awards programme is a singular and signature initiative of the Citi Foundation aimed at raising awareness about the importance of micro finance in supporting the financial inclusion and economic empowerment of low-income individuals.
The Citi Micro-entrepreneurship Awards spans more than 30 countries and has invested more than $17.3 million in micro-finance networks and micro-finance institutions (MFIs). Through the programme, $8 million has been awarded to almost 6,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. In Pakistan, the Citibank NA, Pakistan and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) have organised the Citi-PPAF Micro-entrepreneurship Awards annually, recognising 320 outstanding micro entrepreneurs, who by perseverance, hard work and effective utilisation of micro credit, have not only changed their own lives, but also contributed to development of their communities.
For the 9th Citi-PPAF Micro-entrepreneurship Awards, 280 applications were received from across Pakistan. The Pakistan Micro-finance Network (PMN) short listed potential winners from the 280 applicants.
The 23 applicants (and 3 MFIs) submitted by PMN then underwent a rigorous assessment process that studied both their business models and the impact they had on their communities.
The panel of judges was drawn from a cross section of society and consisted of experts from Ilm Ideas, World Bank Group, Bahria University, ILO, NH Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd., UNDP and Engro Foundation.
Winners were selected in the categories of best National Micro-entrepreneur male and female, best Regional Micro-entrepreneurs from Balochistan, Khyber Paktunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab, AJK, and Gilgit and Baltistan, along with runners-up. Special awards in the categories of Innovative Business Ideas, Young Entrepreneur Overcoming Adversity and for having a positive impact on their community were also given. Recognition awards were also given to respective Loan Officers and representatives of Micro-finance Institutions who had given these micro-entrepreneurs the opportunity to excel.