Islamabad, January 3, 2025 – The Europe Today: Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, emphasized the rigorous evaluation of projects under the newly launched Uraan Pakistan programme to ensure sustainable economic growth. Addressing a media briefing on Friday, he highlighted that only initiatives aligning with the programme’s standards and targets would be incorporated into the Annual Development Plan (ADP).
“Uraan Pakistan is not just a concept or a book; it is a reality whose implementation has already begun. The next development budget will prioritize projects that meet these growth targets,” the minister remarked.
The Uraan Pakistan National Economic Plan (2024-29) aims to propel Pakistan towards a trillion-dollar economy by 2035. Acknowledging resource limitations, Professor Iqbal emphasized prioritizing national development projects under the plan, calling for collective societal efforts to realize this ambitious vision.
5Es Framework: Pillars of Progress
The minister detailed the five pillars of the Uraan Pakistan framework—Exports, Equity and Empowerment, E-Pakistan, Environment & Climate Change, and Energy and Infrastructure—and their critical role in achieving economic transformation.
Exports
Professor Iqbal outlined an ambitious target of $60 billion in exports by 2029, with a long-term goal of $100 billion. This includes focusing on value-added products, improving productivity and innovation, and diversifying markets and products.
“Key areas for export-led growth include IT, manufacturing, agriculture, minerals, manpower, and the blue economy, supported by macroeconomic reforms and investments in SMEs and entrepreneurship,” he said.
E-Pakistan
The E-Pakistan initiative will enhance digital capacity, training 200,000 youth annually in information technology. The plan leverages emerging technologies from the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions to transition Pakistan into a technology-driven economy. It also includes initiatives to develop digital infrastructure, promote startups, and establish an artificial intelligence framework.
Environment and Climate Change
Under the Environment pillar, the programme focuses on water and food security, climate change adaptation, and disaster mitigation. The minister announced the modernization of agriculture under the Green Revolution 2.0, including sending 1,000 agriculture graduates to China for technical training this year.
Energy and Infrastructure
Transitioning to green energy and enhancing regional connectivity are central to the energy and infrastructure goals. The programme aims to harness Pakistan’s mining potential and introduce innovative financing models for infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships.
“To address energy challenges, the Prime Minister has approved a comprehensive package for efficient and affordable power sector solutions, including solar, wind, hydel, and nuclear energy,” he added.
Equity and Empowerment
Focusing on education, health, and social uplift, the framework aims to achieve universal primary enrollment, control population growth, and eliminate Hepatitis C and Diabetes. Key reforms include enhancing literacy rates, improving teacher training, and adopting technology in education.
A Path to Prosperity
The minister urged the nation to embrace the vision of Uraan Pakistan as a pathway to a brighter future, emphasizing that economic development is crucial for national success in the 21st century.
“Pakistan’s identity as a hardworking and brilliant nation must be upheld and strengthened,” he concluded.
