NEW YORK, July 17, 2026: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal met a delegation of the United Pakistan Student Association at the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York to discuss stronger engagement between Pakistani students in the United States and the country’s development agenda.

The meeting focused on academic cooperation, internship opportunities in Pakistan for students of Pakistani origin and closer partnerships between universities in Pakistan and the United States.

During the Ahsan Iqbal UPSA meeting, the student delegation presented proposals aimed at connecting overseas Pakistani students with education, research and professional opportunities in Pakistan.

Iqbal briefed the delegation on the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative and encouraged students to contribute their knowledge, technical expertise and innovative ideas to Pakistan’s economic transformation.

He said Pakistani students living abroad could support progress in education, research, entrepreneurship and technology-led development.

The minister also highlighted the potential role of overseas youth in building institutional links, supporting innovation and sharing international expertise with Pakistani organisations.

The UPSA delegation discussed ways to expand academic exchanges and create structured internship programmes for students interested in gaining professional experience in Pakistan.

Iqbal appreciated the association’s efforts to connect Pakistani students across the United States and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining engagement with the overseas student community.

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