ISLAMABAD: Recent speculation has swirled around Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, with rumors suggesting he may resign due to conflicts with Dr. Jehanzeb Khan, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. Sources close to Iqbal indicate that while he has not yet decided to step down, ongoing interference and lack of autonomy could prompt him to resign, though he remains open to other government roles.
Dr. Jehanzeb Khan responded to these rumors, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration during challenging times. He reassured that there is no significant discord, as everyone is working towards economic revival and improving conditions for the public. However, he refrained from addressing specific issues raised.
Observers note that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assembled a team of technocrats from Lahore, sidelining members of Nawaz Sharif’s team. This shift has led to tensions within the federal cabinet, with former team members feeling marginalized. Despite claims to the contrary, sources from the Prime Minister’s office deny that Nawaz Sharif’s team has been sidelined.
Several factors contribute to the speculation about Iqbal’s potential resignation. One issue is the differing approaches to economic planning between Iqbal and Dr. Jehanzeb. Iqbal supports inclusive governance involving external experts and stakeholders, while Dr. Jehanzeb favors a more traditional bureaucratic approach. This divergence is reportedly causing delays in decision-making.
Additionally, Iqbal’s vision for the 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029) involves aligning with the 5Es framework for long-term economic growth, contrasting with Dr. Jehanzeb’s traditional methods. Iqbal believes the existing approach has historically failed to produce sustainable results, leading Pakistan to rely on IMF and World Bank support.
Iqbal also contends that his efforts to improve the Planning Commission’s functionality and build its global capacity have been undermined. The 13th Five-Year Plan, finalized without his input, reportedly ignored the strategic documents he developed during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.
Lastly, Iqbal is pushing for reforms within the Planning Commission and has initiated the establishment of the National Economic Transformation Unit (NETU). This unit aims to enhance government development initiatives and strategic communication. However, unresolved differences between Iqbal and Dr. Jehanzeb could impact the effectiveness of economic policy-making.
Given these ongoing issues, there is increasing pressure on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the leadership conflict within the Planning Commission to avoid potential disruptions in the government’s economic strategy.
