At a recent ceremony titled Marka-e-Haq and 78 Years of Independence Day Celebrations – Uraan Pakistan, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, highlighted what he described as a significant turnaround in Pakistan’s economic narrative.
Recognition of Recovery
According to Iqbal, international institutions that once flagged Pakistan’s vulnerabilities are now acknowledging signs of recovery. This shift, he argued, reflects policy reforms aimed at stabilizing the country after the severe economic turbulence of the past two years.
Three Pillars of Stability
The Minister identified three central drivers of long-term growth:
- Tax reforms to broaden revenue generation.
- Export-led expansion to build resilience in global markets.
- Foreign direct investment as a catalyst for industrial development.
Calling Karachi the “engine of Pakistan’s industry and economy,” Iqbal emphasized the private sector’s central role in delivering sustainable progress. He described businesses and entrepreneurs as the “economic drivers” capable of carrying Pakistan beyond short-term fixes toward structural transformation.
Export-Led Vision – Uraan Pakistan
The government’s Uraan Pakistan strategy is built on shifting the country firmly toward an export-oriented economy. Iqbal warned that earlier growth phases—Pakistan’s “first three flights”—collapsed because the lessons of fiscal discipline and industrial competitiveness were ignored. He stressed that the fourth attempt must avoid repeating past mistakes.
As part of this initiative, the government is proposing an “export emergency,” setting an ambitious target of $100 billion in exports. To achieve this, eight priority sectors have been identified, including:
- Information technology
- Hospitality and tourism
- Blue economy
- Mining
- Creative industries
- Manpower development
He urged the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to create eight working groups in coordination with government institutions to fast-track progress in these areas.
Business Confidence and Public-Private Partnerships
Leaders from the FPCCI echoed the minister’s optimism. FPCCI President Atif Ikram Shaikh pointed out that international assessments now reflect confidence in Pakistan’s economic direction. He underscored the need for collaborative public-private partnerships, suggesting that such models could unlock new opportunities for growth.
Broader Support for Reform
Other voices at the event—including State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kheal Das Kohistani—stressed that the country’s leadership had taken difficult but necessary steps. The shared sentiment was clear: Pakistan’s economic future depends on government and private enterprise moving in tandem, with exports at the center of the national agenda.
The Road Ahead
Pakistan’s challenge lies not just in short-term recovery, but in building a structure that prevents repeat cycles of crisis. The focus on exports, sectoral diversification, and public-private collaboration represents a roadmap that could determine whether Uraan Pakistan becomes a lasting trajectory or another short-lived attempt.
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