Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, stated that Pakistan has now completed 78 years of independence. Despite starting with extremely limited resources in 1947, the country has achieved significant success in various sectors, including industry, education, economy, and defense. Today, Pakistan is a nuclear power, self-sufficient in defense production, embracing modern technology, and proving its capabilities on a global scale.
He pointed out that if Pakistan’s progress is compared to other countries, it must be acknowledged that after the 1960s, the nation could not maintain the development pace that could have turned it into an Asian Tiger. At that time, Pakistan was at par with Malaysia and Thailand, but today, these nations have surpassed us. China, which was behind Pakistan in 1980, is now one of the world’s largest economies. The key reasons for this include political instability, lack of policy continuity, and disruptions in development projects.
Addressing the Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal shed light on Pakistan’s developmental journey and emphasized that youth play a fundamental role in national progress. He stated that the Uraan Pakistan Program is a revolutionary initiative aimed at preparing young people for the challenges of the modern era.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that three essential factors are required for Pakistan’s development: political stability, long-term policies, and continuity of reforms. He urged the youth to acquire skills relevant to the future, highlighting that expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, New Media, and Digital Technologies is the key to success in today’s world.
To empower the youth and equip them with modern economy and technology-driven skills, the Uraan Pakistan Program has been launched. The key components of this initiative include:
- Training in Digital Skills – Free training in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Automation, and Software Development will be provided.
- Startup Incubation Centers – Business incubation centers are being established across the country to offer financial support and mentorship to young entrepreneurs.
- Technical and Vocational Education – The number of vocational training institutes is being increased to equip youth with modern industrial skills.
- International Employment Opportunities – Employment opportunities abroad are being created to enhance Pakistani youth’s participation in the global job market.
- Funding for Research & Development – Special funds are being allocated to universities and research institutions for cutting-edge scientific and technological research.
Ahsan Iqbal stated that the Uraan Pakistan Program aims to enable youth to play an active role in the modern economy. He warned that the world is rapidly evolving, and if Pakistan does not invest in advanced technology and skill development, it risks falling further behind.
In his address, Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that Pakistan’s future lies in the hands of its youth. He emphasized that if the right decisions are made today, policies remain consistent, and education & research are prioritized, Pakistan can emerge as a leading economy within the next 22 years. He urged the nation to learn from past mistakes and realign its national strategy towards sustainable progress.
The Uraan Pakistan Program will serve as a milestone in making Pakistan a developed country, preparing youth to meet international standards, and driving the country toward economic and technological prosperity.
Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs and SAFRON and PMLN President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engineer Amir Muqam also attended the event.
The students and faculty at the Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, appreciated the Uraan Pakistan Program and recognized it as a positive step toward Pakistan’s development. The event encouraged youth to harness their potential and contribute to the country’s progress and prosperity.
