Federal Govt is committed to prioritizing SDGs: Ahsan Iqbal

Dated : 30 November -0001

Federal Minister Planning, Development & Reform Ahsan Iqbal said federal government is committed prioritizing to SDGs. We have to work closely with the provinces for achieving the targets in the social sector. Federal government envisages human development its first pillar in its development agenda. Ahsan Iqbal expressed these views in a meeting with a delegation of World Health Organization (WHO), which called on him at Planning Commission here today. Federal Minister pointed out that country had to pay heavy economic and social price due to neglect of social sector in the past. He informed the delegation that federal government has set up SDG unit in Planning Commission and now is working on establishing SDG centers at provincial and district level to achieve the goals. He stated,”18th constitutional amendment devolved health and education subjects to provinces. We have responsibility for coordinating efforts of provincial governments so that there is positive synergy in these areas. He said that federal government through its interventions has co-opted the provinces in Polio campaign and made significant gains. Because of these interventions, for the first time Pakistan can hopefully eradicate this disease. With the improvement in security situation, the spread and coverage of drive against Polio has also increased manifold. Ahsan Iqbal listed Hepatitis as another challenge, which is causing huge economical and social cost for the country. Government is taking concrete steps in this regard. Nutrition is of paramount importance, on which federal government is focusing to address this issue on emergency basis. Ahsan Iqbal noted that devolution of service delivery in health sector to agencies would yield visible results with the provinces playing the oversight role.