Government Sets Ambitious Course for Economic Growth
ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed Pakistan’s drive toward a $1 trillion economy by 2035 during his address at the annual P@SHA awards for top IT firms. Speaking on September 19, the minister highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for a strong, export-driven digital economy.
Iqbal stressed the need to shift from past challenges to future opportunities. Recent drops in inflation and gains on the Pakistan Stock Exchange signal recovery. Now, the focus turns to steady expansion.
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Uraan Pakistan: The National Roadmap
The Uraan Pakistan initiative guides this push. It aims for a $1 trillion economy in 2035 and $3 trillion by 2047, marking the country’s independence centennial.
This plan rests on five key areas, known as the 5Es:
- Exports: Broaden beyond textiles to IT services and high-value items. Target $60 billion in annual exports by 2029.
- E-Pakistan: Build digital skills with $5 billion from freelancing and IT. Train 200,000 IT graduates each year and grow startups.
- Energy & Infrastructure: Upgrade power supply with more renewables for reliable growth.
- Environment & Climate Change: Cut emissions and boost forests to draw green investments.
- Equity, Ethics & Empowerment: Spread benefits through better education, women’s roles, and youth jobs.
These steps aim to create jobs, draw long-term funds, and secure digital systems.
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Spotlight on Quantum Valley Project
Iqbal introduced the Quantum Valley as a fresh boost. This platform links universities, businesses, and officials to spark ideas.
Set in Islamabad, it will host science parks for key fields:
- Emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.
- Agri-tech to update farming.
- Mines and minerals to tap resources.
- Bio-sciences for health advances.
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The minister noted global trends: AI adds trillions to markets, cloud computing tops $600 billion yearly, and semiconductors hit $1 trillion by 2030. Pakistan must join this wave, moving from outsourcing to innovation leader with help from all sectors and partners.
Backing from Global Partners
The World Bank backs this path with a 10-year framework. New ties with China’s Development Research Center share growth lessons.
Iqbal praised award winners like HBL and P@SHA for their role in building a digital base.
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Here’s a recent post from the Ministry on X about progress:
Hurdles on the Path Forward
Success demands steady politics and policy. High debt and budget gaps linger. Turning plans into action will test resolve.
Yet, with shared effort, Pakistan can claim this future. As Iqbal put it, their work will power a true digital force.
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