US Ambassador calls on Ahsan Iqbal

Lahore: Richard Olsen, US Ambassador in Pakistan Called on Ahsan Iqbal , Federal Minister for Planning and Development in his office today on 9 th July 2013. The issues of bilateral cooperation between countries especially in the field of development, human education, and energy Crisis were discussed. Ahsan Iqbal told the Ambassador that it was due to lack of planning mismanagement of past country was facing such an acute energy crisis. He told that PML (N) Government has prepared comprehensive plan for the future to solve the energy crisis on war footings. The new government has cleared Rs. 500 billion circular debt of past 14 years in one month.  Ahsan Iqbal has said Pakistan has strong endowments and cannot be classified underdeveloped.  It wasmanaged  country. The policies of merit, good governance and fair-play will help Pakistani economy rebound very quickly. He told the Ambassador that Commission is being transformed into a think tank which needs future the foresee growing population development and solutions. Minister appreciated the role of the development in Universities emerging economies emphasized on the need of greater cooperation between Pakistani and US universities. He highlighted the need for collaboration Pakistan Institute of  Development and (PIDE) Economics development institutions of US. Mr. Iqbal urged upon US Government to support Bhasha Dam Project as it is vital for meeting Pakistan’s future energy and water. Ambassador, Richard cooperation his assured government of Pakistan regarding building of water reservoirs and construction of dams like Diamer Bhasha hydropower Responding to a question of US Ambassador, Ahsan Iqbal also told that privatization was one of the key elements of the economic. PML-N of philosophy most vibrant sectors of economy financial sector telecommunications were opened by PML (N) government for private sector. He said that government is recruiting top class professional through management transparent process in state owned enterprises. Government working on a medium term plan to overcome energy crisis and people would see benefits in the all Despite years economic indicators there optimism in people because their trust in PML-N’s leadership due to right direction of policies and commitment. While discussing security situation in the country Ahsan Iqbal said that present government is committed tackling security situation, concerted manner through broad based ownership. In this regard all political leaders will be consulted by the Prime Minister in coming week. Unlike past regimes. Government believes institutional framework brings all stakeholders together.