Ahsan Iqbal Flags 25m Out-Of-School Children, 40% Stunting At Bangkok Summit
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✧ GENERATE BRIEFING
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal representing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at an international summit on inclusive economic empowerment in Bangkok issued a stark warning regarding Pakistan’s human capital crisis. Emphasizing that long-term economic competitiveness is directly tied to social sector investment, the minister revealed that 25 million children remain out of school while child stunting affects nearly 40% of the population under five. Key structural highlights and policy imperatives from the minister's address include: Human Capital & Global Competitiveness: Iqbal warned that Pakistan cannot compete effectively in a technology-driven global economy while facing severe deficits in basic literacy, early childhood nutrition, and healthcare access. Multidimensional Poverty Alleviation: Moving beyond traditional income-based definitions, the minister advocated for holistic interventions combining technical skills training, micro-business capital, direct market access, and sustainable livelihood security.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called for stronger investment in education, healthcare, nutrition and employment, warning that Pakistan’s human development challenges could undermine its long-term economic competitiveness.
Representing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at an international conference on inclusive and resilient economic empowerment and growth in Bangkok, the minister said poverty reduction must remain a national priority to achieve sustainable prosperity.
The Human Capital Emergency
Iqbal highlighted that approximately 25 million children in Pakistan are out of school, while child stunting affects around 40% of children. He said the country would struggle to compete effectively in the global economy without significant improvements in education, healthcare and nutrition.
The minister said poverty extends beyond low income, reflecting limited access to essential services, decent employment and economic opportunities. He stressed that development policies must focus not only on reducing poverty figures but also on helping vulnerable households achieve financial independence.
Livelihood Creation and Inclusive Growth
He added that sustainable poverty alleviation requires a combination of skills training, business capital, market access and reliable livelihood opportunities. He also highlighted the importance of women’s economic empowerment, youth employment and universities’ role in supporting local communities.
Iqbal called for evidence-based policymaking, measurable development outcomes and effective monitoring to improve household incomes, savings, nutrition and living standards. He also urged stronger coordination among government institutions and other stakeholders to expand the reach of poverty-reduction programmes.
Addressing Deep Regional Disparities
Highlighting regional inequality, the minister said 11 of Pakistan’s 20 poorest districts are in Balochistan. He called on more prosperous districts to support development in less-developed areas and help strengthen local capacities.
The minister urged conference participants to develop a practical roadmap for reducing poverty, expanding successful development initiatives and improving living conditions for vulnerable families.
