ISLAMABAD  - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said that Pakistan would import cheap gas from anywhere including Iran and Turkmenistan in the better interest of the country without caring for any pressure.
Talking to media persons at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) after an Iqbal Day event, Ahsan Iqbal said that the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline would not only assist to reduce the energy shortfall in the country but also bring economic stability and peace in the country and region. He said that the government is negotiating with Iran over gas tariff; however, any decision would be taken in the interest of the country.
The minister said that the nuclear agreement between the world powers and Iran would not affect the relations between Iran and Pakistan and it has nothing to do with foreign policy of Pakistan. He emphasised the need for raising the tax to GDP ratio to 9 per cent, adding that progress is not possible with heavy reliance on foreign loans and donations. He informed that during current fiscal year 2013-14, tax collection remained better as compared to the last fiscal year 2012-13. 
He said the government will consider the proposal to release additional funds for Public sector development programme in December 2013. “In past political instability impacted our growth and we are far behind with other regional powers. However, now democratic values are strengthening in the country that would leave positive effect on the institutes,” he added.
While addressing the “Iqbal Day” function held here at AIOU’s Auditorium, Ahsan Iqbal asserted that the role of the Universities and teachers are highly important in the efforts of putting the county on right track and road to progress.
He expressed his confidence that the nation can achieve its socio-economic targets by following the guiding principles of Dr. Iqbal. Pakistan, he said could be developed as prosperous and a developed country, by seeking inspirations from his message that focused on promoting positive thinking and self-respect.
Ahsan Iqbal urged ulema not to fight over differences but join hands to forge unity among the nation. Advising the youth, Ahsan Iqbal said dignity can never come in charity and “you must have to earn your dignity through education”.
Farzand-e-Iqbal Justice (Retd) Dr Javed Iqbal on the occasion delivered a keynote address on the teachings of Allama Iqbal with special focus on “The soul of Islamic culture”. Those who addressed the function included Vice Chancellor of AIOU Dr. Nazir Ahmed Sangi, Chairman, Department of Iqbaliyat at AIOU Prof. Dr Shahid Iqbal Kamran, and Patron-in-Chief, Rebaat-e-Iqbal Iqbal Feroz.
Justice (R) Nasira Iqbal, wife of Javed Iqbal also participated in the ceremony.  400 copies of ‘Kulyat-e-Iqbal Urdu’ were also distributed amongst the participants on the occasion.
Dr Javed Iqbal speaking about Allama Iqbal’s thoughts on the spirit of Islamic culture, said that Allama Iqbal inspired the Muslim nation to take benefit of ‘Ijtehad’ and ‘Ejma’ to meet the growing needs of the present days. Alama Iqbal wanted to see Pakistan a leading state in the Muslim world by establishing a society where spiritual democracy prevails in line with ‘misaq-e-madina’
Allama Iqbal, he added, had pleaded for establishment of such a society, where all religions could exist on equal basis and sprit of tolerance and self-respect could grow. Iqbal, he added had rejected confrontations and conflicts among the religious circles.
Dr Nazir Ahmed Sangi highlighted the efforts by the University during the last few years in spreading the message of Allama Iqbal through various academic programs. They were being encouraged for continuation of their study and for this purpose the University had been provided them various incentives. Special schemes were launched during the last three days for providing them financial support.