Media asked to play proactive role in strengthening public accountability

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the media's crucial role in strengthening public accountability and addressing Pakistan's development challenges during a recent event. He urged journalists to focus on issues like slow literacy progress, population growth, early childhood development, and poor export performance, which are often overlooked due to political controversies.

Iqbal highlighted that Pakistan's future hinges on solving these often-ignored issues. He noted that the media plays a vital role in setting national priorities, directing public attention to significant matters, and holding institutions accountable. Key concerns include the limited access to higher education, poor export performance, and misuse of public development funds.

Iqbal set a target of increasing exports to USD100 billion by 2035 to reduce dependence on international financial assistance. Comparing with Vietnam, he pointed out the stark contrast in export growth, with Vietnam's exports soaring to USD475 billion in 2025 from USD2.5 billion in 1990, while Pakistan's exports remain stagnant around USD40 billion.

Iqbal stressed the importance of early childhood education and care, noting that 90% of a person's mental development occurs during the first five years. He also urged more discussion on enhancing the education and skills of young people, pointing out that only 13% of Pakistan's youth have access to higher education compared to 30%, 25%, and 60% in neighboring countries and China, respectively.

Regarding governance, he criticized corruption, misuse of funds, and commissions in development projects, stressing that every rupee spent on development should be used for its intended purpose. He highlighted that the Planning Ministry introduced measures for transparency, such as online availability of development projects and a public helpline for reporting misuse.

However, he emphasized the importance of independent media monitoring. Iqbal urged journalists to examine the outcomes of projects beyond mere inaugurations, highlighting weaknesses and encouraging positive changes in public behavior. He called for more attention to preventive healthcare, tobacco use, passive smoking, and food adulteration, citing a survey where nearly half of tested milk and ghee samples failed to meet quality standards.

Iqbal stressed that development reporting should go beyond official announcements, urging the media to delve into actual project results, expose weaknesses, and promote positive behavioral changes. He reiterated that engaging actively in development debates and involving the public could expedite Pakistan's development progress.