Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives

The Annual Awards Ceremony 2026 recognized the outstanding Pakistani and Chinese professionals whose dedication, skill, and commitment have been instrumental in the successful implementation of CPEC projects across Pakistan. 📌 Celebrating the human capital driving progress, innovation, and sustainable development under CPEC. #CPEC2.0 #PakistanChinaFriendship #Development

The cake-cutting ceremony at the Annual Awards Ceremony 2026 celebrated the long-standing friendship and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China, reflecting decades of collaboration and shared achievements. #PakistanChina #CPEC #Diplomacy #Partnership

🇵🇰🇨🇳Advancing Climate Action & Technological Cooperation The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and the Ministry of Ecology & Environment of China signed the Acceptance Certificate for: ✅Solar Home Systems ✅Intelligent Ground Meteorological Observation Stations ✅Integrated Cloud-Based Early Warning Systems (EWS) 📌 Under the China–Pakistan South–South Cooperation for Climate Change Response, these initiatives strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience, renewable energy capacity, and disaster preparedness. A landmark step in leveraging technology for sustainable development and people-centered impact. #CPEC2.0 #ClimateAction #PakistanChinaFriendship

Federal Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan H.E Jiang Zaidong signed the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) Meeting Minutes at the Annual Awards Ceremony 2026 in Islamabad. 📌 The signing reinforces institutional coordination and sets the strategic direction for advancing CPEC Phase II; focused on industrialization, innovation, and inclusive growth. A significant step forward in deepening the Pakistan–China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. #CPEC #PakistanChina #JCC #Development

Strengthening the Pakistan–China Partnership through CPEC 2.0 🇵🇰🇨🇳 The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives hosted the Annual Awards Ceremony 2026 to honor outstanding Pakistani and Chinese professionals contributing to CPEC projects across the country. 👉 A key highlight of the ceremony was the signing of important agreements between Prof Ahsan Iqbal and Ambassador of China to Pakistan Mr. Jiang Zaidong, reinforcing the continued momentum of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Addressing the gathering, the Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary emphasized that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has: 📍 Strengthened Pakistan’s energy security, infrastructure, and connectivity 📍 Delivered 43 completed projects worth ~USD 25 billion under Phase I 📍 Added nearly 9,000 MW to the national grid, addressing critical structural gaps CPEC Phase II: A Forward-Looking Agenda Under the URAAN Pakistan framework, CPEC 2.0 is being advanced through a Five-Year Action Plan (2025–2029) focusing on: ✅ Industrialization via Special Economic Zones ✅ Digital integration under the Digital Silk Road ✅ Renewable energy and climate resilience ✅ Livelihood and community development initiatives ✅ Enhanced regional connectivity The Minister underscored the growing role of the private sector, with expanding opportunities in exports, value-added industries, and human capital development, including the proposed China–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor. The Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed that collaboration is deepening across emerging sectors such as: ❗️Agriculture ❗️ Mining ❗️ Social development This includes rising agricultural trade, increasing mineral exports, and value-chain integration to unlock Pakistan’s economic potential. A notable shift in Phase II is toward livelihood-focused initiatives, health, education, and grassroots development, ensuring that CPEC delivers tangible benefits at the community level while strengthening people-to-people ties. Mr. Nadeem Javaid, PhD highlighted that the success of CPEC is driven by the dedication and expertise of its workforce, while Wang Huihua reaffirmed continued confidence in the Pakistan–China partnership. The ceremony also marked: 🔹Signing of the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting minutes 🔹 Acceptance of key climate and technology initiatives, including: 🔹 Solar Home Systems 🔹 Intelligent Ground Meteorological Observation Stations 🔹 Cloud-Based Early Warning Systems (EWS) Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations A special cake-cutting ceremony commemorated the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. The event concluded with the joint distribution of awards by the Planning Minister and the Chinese Ambassador, recognizing excellence, professionalism, and commitment in advancing CPEC projects.

The second Joint Steering Committee meeting for the Special Development Program for Former FATA Districts focused on advancing inclusive and sustainable development in the region. Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, highlighted that the PDM government has released the highest-ever funds for the development of the former FATA districts. He emphasized that resources are being provided to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without any political bias, ensuring fairness and transparency in allocation. “Politics has its place, but development is the right of every province and must not be compromised,” the Minister stated. Reaffirming the importance of the province, he noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a vital unit of the federation and deserves focused and sustained attention. Key development initiatives include: 📌 PKR 8 billion allocated to further strengthen police infrastructure and enhance security 📌 Immediate launch of a PKR 13 billion Solar Scheme for the merged districts to ensure access to clean energy 📌 Proposal for IT training for 10,000 youth from terrorism-affected areas to equip them with modern, market-relevant skills 📌 Establishment of a Minerals Center at FATA University with an investment of PKR 2.5 billion to promote research, innovation, and economic growth These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to equitable development, security enhancement, and youth empowerment, ensuring that the merged districts are fully integrated into Pakistan’s growth trajectory.

Pakistan has the data. Now it’s time to unlock its power. In a meeting with VEON Group leadership, Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted a key national priority: “Pakistan is a data-rich country; our priority is to convert this data into intelligent decisions for national progress.” A clear direction towards an AI-driven, knowledge-based economy. #AI #DigitalPakistan #FutureReady #Innovation

AI should not be a privilege, it should be a right for every Pakistani. In engagement with the VEON Group leadership, Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted a people-first approach to technology: “Technology must be inclusive; AI should empower every citizen…” Driving a vision where language is no barrier and innovation reaches every home. #AIforAll #Pakistan

Under the visionary leadership of Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Pakistan is taking steps to harness artificial intelligence and digital technologies for national progress. In this relevance, a delegation from VEON Group, led by CEO Kaan Terzioglu, along with Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO JazzWorld, Fatima Akhtar, and Zaheer Mehdi, called on the Minister to explore collaboration on AI, digital infrastructure, and innovation-led development. At the heart of the discussion was a powerful realization: Pakistan is a data-rich country, it is intelligence-underutilized. The meeting highlighted actionable priorities set by the Planning Minister: 📍 Using artificial intelligence to make health, education, and public services faster, smarter, and more efficient. 📍 Treating Pakistan’s data as a strategic asset and building local expertise to reduce dependence on foreign systems. 📍 Ensuring progress is continuous, scalable, and impactful over the long term. 📍 Making sure technology reaches all citizens, leaving no one behind. 📍 Expanding internet coverage, upgrading networks, and introducing 5G to support innovation and entrepreneurship. 📍 Highlighting the Planning Commission’s unique role as a convener for all stakeholders, ensuring that AI, as a cross-cutting area, is implemented with a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach. Pakistan’s journey toward a digital and innovation-driven future is already underway, supported by a national AI task force, evolving digital policy frameworks, and the vision for a Pakistan Digital Authority. The discussion also focused on practical steps to move forward: ✔️ Strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to turn research into real-world impact ✔️ Increasing Pakistan’s computing capacity by working together with partners ✔️ Developing AI tools in local languages so more people can benefit ✔️ Starting pilot projects that can later be expanded across the country ✔️ Learning from successful international models and adapting them to Pakistan’s needs As Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized: 👉 “Transformation is not just about technology; it is about disciplined execution, clear ownership, and a whole-of-nation approach.” Pakistan is not just adopting AI, it is shaping it to meet national priorities, ensure inclusivity, and drive sustainable growth. The question is no longer if Pakistan will embrace AI, but how effectively and how quickly it can turn this vision into real impact. #DigitalPakistan #AIforDevelopment #Innovation #5G #PublicPrivatePartnerships

President Asif Ali Zardari convened a high-level consultative meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside federal and provincial leadership, to assess Pakistan’s economic, energy, and regional landscape. Federal Minister for Planning, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, also participated in the deliberations. Key focus areas included: ✅Strengthening national coordination ✅Advancing fuel conservation measures ✅Delivering targeted public relief ✅Protecting the common man from economic pressures A cohesive national response, driving stability, resilience, and people-centric progress. #Pakistan #EconomicStability #EnergySecurity #PublicRelief #IranWar