CNAS Director and Pakistan’s Planning Minister Discuss Pak-US Relations

Lisa Curtis, Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) in Washington, met with Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, on Thursday. The two officials engaged in a discussion about the longstanding bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United States.

During the meeting, both parties acknowledged that the United States has played a significant role in Pakistan’s economic development, being one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment and Pakistan’s largest export market.

Lisa Curtis expressed optimism regarding the continued growth of trade and investment relations between the two countries. She emphasized the importance of fostering people-to-people connections through increased exchanges.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-2026, Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with other UN member states in upholding the principles of the UN Charter. He emphasized Pakistan’s role in preventing conflict, promoting peace, and ensuring the protection of human rights worldwide.

The minister also highlighted the current government’s efforts in strengthening the national economy, which faced setbacks under the previous administration.

Ahsan Iqbal elaborated on Pakistan’s newly launched five-year plan, *Uraan Pakistan*, which prioritizes export expansion. The government aims to increase exports from $30 billion to $100 billion over the next decade, marking a pivotal goal in the country’s long-term economic strategy.

He also mentioned significant achievements during the previous tenure, such as the development of Gwadar into a dynamic city, securing a transmission line from Iran to Balochistan, and deepening Gwadar Port for larger vessels. Despite challenges, the minister emphasized the importance of completing ongoing infrastructure and connectivity projects without delays.

Furthermore, Ahsan Iqbal underlined climate change as a key priority for the government, highlighting efforts to build the local climate finance ecosystem and Pakistan’s robust participation in international climate discussions, including COP29.