Development and Special Initiatives

Planning Minister Chairs Meeting on Flood Damage Assessment

16Sep

By The Pakistan TimesNo Comments

Planning Minister Chairs Meeting on Flood Damage Assessment

Islamabad, September 16(Nosheen): A meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee was held in Islamabad today under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, to review the damage assessment of the 2025 floods. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Chairman NDMA, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, and Chief Secretaries of the provincial governments. It was agreed that a final assessment of flood damages would only be possible once the water recedes. Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that a preliminary assessment would be completed within ten days in close coordination with the provincial governments. He urged the media to refrain from speculation regarding flood damages, assuring that accurate and...

Pakistan and China Pledge to Deepen Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Space Technology

4Aug

By The Pakistan TimesNo Comments

Latest, PAKISTAN NEWS, WORLD

Pakistan and China Pledge to Deepen Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Space Technology

Beijing, August 4, 2025(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, held a high-level meeting with Mr. Shan Zhongde, Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority and China’s Space Agency, during his visit to Beijing today. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral collaboration in nuclear energy and space research, aligning it with broader national development goals of both countries. Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a transformative role in eliminating infrastructure and energy bottlenecks in Pakistan. He underscored the growing cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, citing projects such as K-2, K-3, and C-5 nuclear power plants as hallmarks of strategic collaborat...

Pakistan Launches Fourth Earth Observation Satellite in Collaboration with China

31Jul

By The Pakistan TimesNo Comments

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Pakistan Launches Fourth Earth Observation Satellite in Collaboration with China

July 31, 2025(Kamran Raja): In a historic stride towards technological advancement and international cooperation, Pakistan successfully launched its fourth Earth Observation Satellite today, developed in close collaboration with its all-weather ally, the People’s Republic of China. The momentous launch was witnessed by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, who attended the ceremony as Chief Guest. “This is not just a technological milestone,” stated Minister Ahsan Iqbal during the event. “It is a moment that lifts our national spirit and elevates our friendship with China higher than the skies.” The Minister emphasized that this satellite marks not just a launch but the beginning of a bold vision—positioning Pakistan as a future leader i...

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, met with the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong

27Jul

By The Pakistan TimesNo Comments

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Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, met with the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong

Islamabad 27 July(Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, met with the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, in Islamabad today.Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, also attended the meeting. Senior officials from both countries were present.The two sides discussed the progress of ongoing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and preparations for the upcoming Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, where key decisions are expected to further strengthen bilateral relations.Professor Ahsan Iqbal stated that the first phase of CPEC has been successfully completed. He highlighted that the second phase focuses on industrial cooperation, agriculture, informat...

Islamabad: Ahsan Iqbal Highlights Delays and Cost Escalation in Diamer Basha Dam Project

13Sep

By The Pakistan TimesNo Comments

Latest, PAKISTAN NEWS

Islamabad: Ahsan Iqbal Highlights Delays and Cost Escalation in Diamer Basha Dam Project

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a review meeting on the progress of the Diamer Basha Dam project. The meeting was attended by the Secretary Planning, Chairman WAPDA, and senior officials of other relevant departments.During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal said that the Diamer Basha Dam is a crucial project for Pakistan's water and food security and must be completed expeditiously in the national interest. He said that until 2018, the estimated construction cost of the Diamer Basha Dam was Rs. 479 billion, and Rs. 120 billion had already been spent on land acquisition. However, due to delays and unnecessary postponements during the previous government, the cost of the project has increased significantly. He said that in 2020, c...