ISLAMABAD, Jan 2 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said that late Sartaj Aziz was a soldier of the Pakistan Movement and one of the architects of modern Pakistan, whose services to the country would always be remembered.
\nAddressing a gathering held here to honour and mark the second death anniversary of former finance minister Sartaj Aziz, the minister said the deceased was a wise, honest and farsighted leader. \u201cPakistan today needs many more statesmen of his calibre to navigate the country through challenging times.\u201d
\nAhsan Iqbal said he had the opportunity to work closely with Sartaj Aziz and personally witnessed his intellectual depth, integrity and commitment to national interest.
\n\u201cSartaj Aziz was a sharp economist and a dignified politician who always worked with responsibility and prudence, especially during difficult economic conditions,\u201d he added.
\nRecalling his contributions, the minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Sartaj Aziz introduced historic economic reforms that helped stabilise the economy and set it on a path of recovery.
\nHe said Sartaj Aziz provided calm, responsible and visionary leadership at times when Pakistan was facing serious economic challenges.
\nAhsan Iqbal said the late leader\u2019s role in economic management and policymaking was marked by wisdom, balance and a deep understanding of national and global economic dynamics. \u201cHe was not only an accomplished economist but also a statesman who carried himself with dignity and honour,\u201d he remarked.
\nThe minister said that Sartaj Aziz firmly believed in long-term planning, economic discipline and institutional development, adding that these principles should continue to guide Pakistan\u2019s development journey.
\nHe said the services of the late leader for the country would always be remembered with respect and gratitude.
\nAhsan Iqbal said the government was determined to complete the unfinished mission of Sartaj Aziz and to carry forward his vision for a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan. \u201cWe are committed to fulfilling the uncompleted mission of Sartaj Aziz by strengthening economic planning and development,\u201d he said.
\nAs a tribute to the deceased’s lifelong contributions to the field of economics and public policy, the minister announced that the Ministry of Planning and Development would launch PhD scholarship in Development Economics, in the name of Sartaj Aziz, to be offered at one of the world\u2019s best universities.<\/p>\n