Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the need to establish a medical college in Gilgit-Baltistan, along with launching comprehensive projects to promote both education and tourism in the region.

He was chairing a high-level meeting regarding the “Uraan Pakistan” Priority Development Projects for the upcoming fiscal year was held in Islamabad today.

The meeting reviewed proposed projects related to Exports, Mass Media, Social Sectors, Food and Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Science and Technology, and Infrastructure.

The Minister emphasized that only those projects should be included in the Public Sector Development Programme that aims to improve institutional performance and contribute effectively to national development.

He instructed immediate operationalization of the National Center for Brand Development and directed that the Allama Iqbal National Academy be completed in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority. He further announced that the Academy and the "Iqbal Monument" will be officially launched on the occasion of Allama Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary.

Ahsan Iqbal also called for the inclusion of health sector priorities in development planning, emphasizing the continuity of existing power sector projects and exploration of new initiatives. He reiterated the importance of prioritizing quality public welfare projects in Balochistan and called for comprehensive reforms in the Benazir Income Support Programme.

Highlighting the need for self-reliance, Ahsan Iqbal said the youth should be empowered through skill-based projects rather than solely dependent on financial aid, directing the launch of development initiatives under Public-Private Partnership models.