Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has described the Pakistani diaspora as one of the nation's greatest strategic assets. During his visit to the United States, he invited overseas professionals to become active partners in realizing the vision of URAAN Pakistan, aiming to build a prosperous, resilient and globally competitive Pakistan.
Speaking at the 49th Annual Convention of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) in Orlando, the minister emphasized the government's focus on human capital development. He stated that Pakistan's future depends on investing in education, healthcare, population management, innovation and technology while strengthening partnerships with overseas Pakistani professionals.
Telemedicine Backup Model Proposed
Ahsan Iqbal proposed an innovative Telemedicine Backup model under which a panel of 10 US-based medical specialists for each of Pakistan's sixty districts would be established. This panel would provide backend clinical support to junior doctors serving in remote and underserved areas, enabling them to consult directly with overseas specialists and deliver quality healthcare through modern digital technologies. He said this initiative would strengthen knowledge transfer, improve healthcare delivery and expand access to specialist medical care across Pakistan.
AI-Driven Healthcare and Development Challenges
The minister called upon overseas Pakistani doctors to help Pakistan develop AI-driven healthcare solutions, digital health platforms and technology-based medical innovations to modernize the country's healthcare system. He also drew attention to major human development challenges including Hepatitis C, diabetes, tuberculosis, polio, rapid population growth and child stunting, stressing that these issues require coordinated national efforts supported by global expertise and innovation.
Policy Continuity and Past Achievements
Ahsan Iqbal observed that Pakistan has been unable to fully realize its development potential due to repeated disruptions in policy continuity. He noted that during the previous PML-N government, major achievements included overcoming the energy crisis, restoring peace and stability and successfully launching the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.
Engagements with Business Community
During separate meetings with members of the Pakistani American business community in Orlando, the minister invited overseas entrepreneurs, professionals and investors to play a leading role in Pakistan's economic revival by promoting exports, technology partnerships and productive investment. He called upon the overseas Pakistani business community to leverage its global networks to expand market access for Pakistani products, facilitate investment, promote technology transfer and strengthen Pakistan's export sector.
The minister also highlighted emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, renewable energy and climate resilience. He emphasized that Pakistan's diaspora possesses the expertise, global networks and entrepreneurial capacity needed to accelerate the country's transformation into a competitive, innovation-driven and sustainable economy.
