Our correspondent 


ISLAMABAD — The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Pakistan, H.E. Ms. Ina Lepel, called on the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, in Islamabad today. The high-level meeting focused heavily on expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including education, tourism, culture, economic reforms, and investment promotion. Both dignitaries reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening long-standing Pakistan-Germany relations and fostering beneficial partnerships in areas of shared interest.

During the discussion, Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefed the German Ambassador on Pakistan’s ongoing economic recovery and structural reform agenda. He highlighted key positive indicators pointing toward macroeconomic stability, such as declining inflation, reduced policy rates, and a strong revival of investor confidence.

To sustain this growth, the Minister underscored the government’s aggressive efforts to modernize public sector governance. This includes the wholesale digitalization of development planning processes, notably the transformation of the Planning Commission’s project management and approval systems, which aims to maximize transparency, operational efficiency, and institutional accountability.

Human Capital and Educational Exchange

A major focal point of the meeting was human capital development. Minister Iqbal expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in widening its educational alliance with Germany. The Minister sought to expand joint ventures in higher education, faculty development, research collaboration, scholarships, and academic exchange programmes to empower the country's youth.

Green Tourism and Allama Iqbal’s Legacy

Shifting the focus to environmental and cultural preservation, the Minister invited Germany to collaborate in promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. He noted that Pakistan would highly welcome German expertise in institutional development and tourism planning to preserve the region's delicate ecosystem.

Furthermore, Minister Iqbal highlighted the upcoming national preparations for the 150th Birth Anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal next year. He noted Germany’s deep historical and special significance in the national poet’s intellectual and philosophical journey. The Minister expressed Pakistan's strong desire for active German participation in the international commemorative events being planned for the occasion.

Ambassador Ina Lepel appreciated Pakistan’s rigorous economic reform efforts and its forward-looking development priorities. Concluding the meeting, she reaffirmed Germany’s steadfast commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in education, sustainable development, cultural exchanges, and deeper economic engagement.