By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Federal planning minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that the IPACS exhibition in Lahore is crucial for Pakistan, arguing that architecture and design play a central role in shaping the identity of cities and communities.
Speaking at the Expo Centre, Iqbal said Pakistan possessed a rich cultural heritage that should be preserved even as the country embraces modern architectural trends. “Architecture gives a settlement its identity. We are moving towards contemporary design, but we must also develop our heritage so the world can clearly recognize who we are,” he told the audience.
He noted that Karachi was once known for its distinctive yellow stone buildings, yet only traces of that character remain. The minister urged the construction sector to shift towards locally produced materials and to create Pakistani brands capable of standing in global markets, including the US, Europe and the Middle East.
Iqbal said boosting exports was essential, warning that Pakistan’s reliance on imports had strained foreign reserves and repeatedly weakened the economy. He added that the private sector, not the government, must now drive economic growth, and called for outdated bureaucratic hurdles to be dismantled.
The minister also emphasized the importance of environmentally sustainable construction, saying that without “green building” practices, Pakistan would struggle to protect its people from the effects of climate change.
Reflecting on the broader national outlook, Iqbal said Pakistan had shown the world it could not be intimidated, praising the armed forces for their ability to confront major security challenges. “No nation can defend itself without a strong economy,” he said, urging industries to support local brands and help them reach international markets.
