Ahsan Pushes District-level Reforms for Human Capital Development
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday called for treating education, health, nutrition, clean water, and population balance as a “national emergency,” emphasizing greater devolution of authority to districts to ensure the delivery of basic services at citizens' doorsteps.
He chaired the first meeting of the Human Capital and Skills Mission, the seventh of the 11 National Economic Missions under URAAN Pakistan, which reviewed Pakistan’s standing in health, education, and skills against peer countries, mission targets, and a proposed federal-provincial delivery mechanism.
“Where will Pakistan stand in 2047, when we complete one hundred years of independence? That is the decisive question before us today. Just as we won Marka-e-Haq, we must now win Marka-e-Taraqqi - the battle for development,” he said.
The minister noted that Pakistan had prepared development plans many times but political instability had repeatedly disrupted policy continuity. He stressed that continuity of policies and political stability were indispensable for putting the country on the path of development.
“Investment in human resources and skills is the foundation of Pakistan’s future development,” he said.
Ahsan Iqbal stated that social-sector challenges were more important than roads and buildings and must be addressed as a national emergency. He pointed out that Pakistan’s literacy rate is 63 percent, which hinders development. Rapid population growth of 2.55 percent is also a significant challenge.
The meeting revealed that Pakistan ranks 168th among 193 countries on the Human Development Index, with its Human Capital Index score of 0.41 meaning a child born today would attain only 41 percent of their productive potential. Stunting stands at 40.2 percent, while maternal mortality is 186 per 100,000 live births. Approximately 26 million children (28 percent) are out of school, and only 46 out of every 100 children entering Grade 1 in public schools reach Grade 10. Female labor force participation stands at 22.7 percent compared to 68.7 percent for men.
The minister noted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment aimed to improve social sectors but did not achieve desired results as authority was not transferred to lower tiers. He called for empowered departments at the district level and governance reforms in education, health, and other social sectors, with provincial governments appointing highly qualified officers in these departments.