Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives

Uraan Pakistan: A Plan for Economic Change What is it? The government has introduced a five-year plan called Uraan Pakistan: Homegrown National Economic Plan 2024-29. It's designed to make big changes in Pakistan's economy. Goals of the Plan: Exports: Increase the amount of goods and services we sell to other countries. Equity: Ensure fairness and equal opportunities for everyone. Empowerment: Give people more control over their lives and communities. Environment: Focus on protecting our natural resources. Energy: Improve the way we produce and use energy. Challenges: Political Instability: Constant political problems make it hard for investors to trust the system. Social Fragmentation: Lack of unity and rising divisions among people. Corruption: Widespread corruption affects every level of society and governance, making reforms difficult to implement. Burden on Citizens: People are already dealing with high prices, unemployment, and low incomes, so asking for more sacrifices is difficult. What Needs to Be Done: Build Trust: Be transparent, follow the law, and give everyone equal chances. Implement Austerity: Cut unnecessary spending and focus on important projects. Eliminate Corruption: Strengthen anti-corruption measures to ensure fair and efficient governance. Tap Untapped Resources: Use the full potential of agriculture, IT, and renewable energy. Deliver Results: Set realistic goals and achieve them visibly. Key Targets: Legislate ruthless laws aganist corruption Grow the economy by more than 5% each year. Increase exports to $60 billion by 2029. Raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 13%. Promote AI, digital innovation, and tech industries Improve Pakistan’s global image through quality and sustainability. Conclusion: The plan is ambitious, but it needs consistent effort against corruption and freedom from political interference to succeed. Strong leadership, national unity, and a firm stance against corruption are crucial. #aamirahsankhan #share Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary #banking #bankingindustry #banks #digital #management #people #innovation #technology #fintech #datascience #future #bigdata #startups #financialinclusion #mobilebanking #experience #pakistan #pwc #compliance #data #network #inclusion #bank #digitalbanking #growth #digitaltransformation #engagement #leadership #supplychain #sustainable #ceo #infrastructure

Why does Pakistan, with its abundant youth and resources, struggle to prosper? This Op-Ed explores how ethics, trust, and governance are the true drivers of economic growth — and why Pakistan’s future hinges on rebuilding its ethical foundation. From corruption to weak institutions, discover what’s holding the nation back and how bold reforms can unlock its immense potential. Please read on to uncover the roadmap to prosperity. 👇 #productivity, #ethics, #development KSBL Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives

Federal Minister for Planning Inaugurates NCA Lahore Degree Show, Emphasizing Art, Culture, and Youth Empowerment Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary inaugurated the Degree Show at the National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore, where he highlighted the transformative power of art and culture in redefining Pakistan’s global identity. Speaking at the event, the Minister stated, that by promoting art and film culture, we aim to position Pakistan as a unique and vibrant nation on the global stage. “Our soft image and rich cultural heritage are the keys to our international recognition.” He announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art dubbing center in Islamabad, a step designed to elevate Pakistan’s film and media industry to global standards. Additionally, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, revealing an ambitious plan to train 200,000 young individuals annually in IT skills, equipping them for the future economy. Prof. Ahsan Iqbal also stressed the importance of national unity and societal harmony, stating, “To ensure stability, we must eliminate hatred, divisiveness, and extremism. Respect and inclusivity are the foundation of a progressive society.” The Planning Minister called for collective responsibility, urging all citizens to play their part in national development and adapt proven economic policies from advanced nations. #EmpoweringYouth #CulturalDiplomacy #InnovationForGrowth #ITTraining #UnityForProgress

A great initiative by CM Punjab Ms Maryam Nawaz. PEEF is a great legacy of PM Shehbaz Sharif, which he established as CM Punjab. PMLN believes that our youth deserves the best. #Youth #Pakistan #Scholarships

Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Jemal Bekar Commends ‘#UraanPakistan’ Initiative H.E. Dr. Jemal Bekar Abdula, the Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has commended the “Uraan Pakistan” programme, launched by the Government of Pakistan for achieving higher economic growth and national prosperity. He lauded the initiative during a meeting with H.E. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, at his office on Thursday. During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest including trade and investment cooperation between the two brotherly countries. On the occasion, the Ambassador briefed the Minister about the transformational change brought about in Ethiopia by the Prosperity Party which is led by Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed who introduced and implemented major reforms in political, economic and social spheres. He highlighted the political and economic liberalization achieved by the FDR Ethiopia which had not only strengthened its democracy but also the national economy which has been in consistent growth with the political, economic, social and legal reforms. The Ambassador said the Home Grown Economic Reforms is also an outcome of these reforms in the country which focused on addressing macroeconomic imbalances, increasing domestic production and attracting the foreign direct investment that led to a major boost in job creation. Ethiopia and Pakistan can learn from each other's experiences and strengthen their trade and investment relations by fostering economic cooperation between the two brotherly countries, the Ambassador remarked. The Ambassador also invited the Minister to grace the Single Country Exhibition of Pakistan scheduled for May 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On the other hand, the Planning Minister said he looked forward to visit the FDR Ethiopia which enjoyed brotherly relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He noted the growth in the bilateral relations of the two countries with the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad, exchange of official and business delegation, and the commencement of the Ethiopian Airlines operations in Pakistan. The FDR Ethiopia is one of the success stories in Africa which has turned around the economy through pluralistic economic policies, the Minister remarked while terming Ethiopia a beacon of prosperity in Africa.

Addressed officers of 52nd CTP of Civil Service at Ministry of Planning & Development. Urged upon them that as part of this distinguished institution, they stand at the threshold of shaping Pakistan’s future. Theirs is a sacred duty: to transform policy into action, uphold the rule of law, and serve the people with unwavering dedication. The path ahead will not be easy, but it is one of the most fulfilling roles anyone can aspire to.

Mental Health at the Forefront: Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Addresses 24th International Psychiatric Conference in Islamabad In a move towards addressing #MentalHealth challenges in Pakistan, Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary delivered an address at the 24th International Psychiatric Conference, organized by the Pakistan Psychiatric Society in Islamabad. The conference, themed “Mental Health to Global Mental Health: A Need for a Public Mental Health Approach for Intersectoral Collaboration and Contribution,” brought together over 40 international delegates and leading experts in mental health. Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that mental health is not just an individual concern but a critical national priority. “A nation’s economic productivity and societal well-being are directly linked to the mental and physical health of its citizens,” he stated. He pointed out alarming statistics, noting that in a country of 240 million people, only 900 psychiatrists are available to address the growing mental health needs. The Planning Minister underscored the detrimental impact of #SocialPolarization, #HateSpeech, and rising intolerance on national unity and mental health. 🗨️ “Our societal behaviors have reached a point where internal cohesion and solidarity are being eroded. The prevalence of negativity and prejudice has not only affected individual well-being but also placed the nation at risk of collective depression,” he remarked. Prof. Iqbal also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding struggles with diseases like #Diabetes, #Hepatitis, and #Polio, attributing their persistence to systemic gaps. He warned that mental illnesses are following a similar trajectory, affecting millions of lives and hindering people from reaching their full potential. 💡 “Mental health is the cornerstone of a progressive society. Without addressing it, we cannot expect individuals to contribute effectively to national development,” he added. In a forward-looking announcement, the Planning Minister revealed that work on a comprehensive #NationalMentalHealthPolicy will commence soon. This policy aims to bridge the gap in mental health services and ensure equitable access to care across the country. The workshop provided participants with practical tools to manage crises and build #PsychologicalResilience. Organized in collaboration with international partners, the conference highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral efforts in promoting mental health. Delegates called for integrating mental health into public health frameworks and fostering a culture of #Empathy and #Inclusion. As Pakistan faces multifaceted challenges—from #NaturalDisasters to #EconomicInstability, Prof. Iqbal urged all stakeholders to prioritize mental health, stressing the need to learn from the past, focus on #Reforms, and work collectively to build a #Resilient and #ProsperousPakistan.

Uraan Pakistan feels more like a movement to transform the country. Its inspiring name, connection to "shaheen," and the 5E framework have captured attention. I hope such initiatives are supported beyond politics and continue for long-term progress. #UraanPakistan