Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan can achieve economic self-reliance and sustainable development through political stability and an export-led economy.

Addressing the ‘South Asian Federation of Accountants International Future of Finance Summit’ in Lahore today, the Minister said Pakistan has faced numerous challenges and the nation proved its resilience when India launched aggression against Pakistan last year.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan can transform itself within the next decade if all segments of society collectively place national interests above personal gains.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan must increase its exports to 400 billion dollars in the long term and at least 100 billion dollars by 2030.

Addressing the summit, Advisor to the Finance Minister, Khurram Schehzad said that the government is creating new opportunities for economic growth through improvement in the tax system, financial transparency and investor-friendly policies.

He said the government is taking serious measures for sustainable economic growth, fiscal discipline, promotion of investment, increase in exports and establishment of strong institutional structures.

Describing youth as the most valuable asset of Pakistan, he said providing them with quality education, modern skills, and opportunities is the need of the hour.