In a controversial move, Pakistan has decided to axe 118 development projects to prioritize debt servicing. Led by Pakistan Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the Annual Plan Coordination Committee concluded that repaying international loans outweighs local development. With external debt reaching $131.1 billion by December 2024—surpassing GDP—the government’s development budget of Rs. 1,000 billion now faces major constraints. The story was reported by senior journalist Yeshi Seli at substack.com . While the Pakistan government claims this is “fiscal discipline,” critics call it a desperate compromise. “People want electricity and education, not empty reforms,” said Iqbal, acknowledging public frustration. Pakistan’s development train now idles as the debt engine roars forward. #PakistanBudget2025 #AhsanIqbal #PakistanDebtCrisis #DevelopmentCuts #FiscalDiscipline #PakistanEconomy #IMFLoanPakistan #PakistanNews #DebtVsDevelopment #EconomicCrisis2025