ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed on Sunday that four friendly nations have committed to investing $27 billion in Pakistan over the next five years.
He outlined the investment plans: Saudi Arabia intends to invest $5 billion, while the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait will each contribute $10 billion. Additionally, Azerbaijan has pledged to invest $2 billion.
Earlier this month, the Planning Minister made similar statements at a press conference in Lahore, explaining that these countries would channel the funds through various mega projects under the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
“It is essential to capitalize on these investments by ensuring policy continuity and reforms,” he emphasized.
The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing socio-economic and judicial reforms to drive economic progress. He also stressed that no one would be allowed to compromise Pakistan’s peace and stability.
Criticizing the PTI, Iqbal urged the party to participate constructively in Parliament rather than engaging in street protests.
He further noted that China has expressed readiness for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which includes the establishment of five new corridors focused on growth, livelihood, innovation, the green economy, and regional inclusive development.
Iqbal also mentioned that a Danish company is preparing to invest $2 billion in Pakistan’s port infrastructure. He expressed concern that the PTI was allegedly trying to obstruct these investments, referencing the party’s previous actions in undermining the IMF agreement.
Meanwhile, Jahanzeb Khan, the prime minister’s adviser on special investments, recently stated that Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern allies could invest up to $70 billion in various sectors.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
