Transforming Pakistan

In an era of rapid globalisation and technological transformation, nations are redefining their strategies to secure a competitive edge in the global economy. Pakistan stands at a pivotal crossroads, ready to embrace a transformative vision for economic growth and social progress.

The Uraan Pakistan initiative, launched by the Ministry for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, is not just a plan – it is a call to action. It offers a roadmap to turn challenges into opportunities, transforming aspirations into achievements.

Rooted in the comprehensive 5Es framework – Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity, Ethics & Empowerment – the initiative aims to position Pakistan as a resilient and prosperous nation. Its ambitious target: achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2035 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047. These goals are not distant dreams but tangible benchmarks built upon actionable strategies and Pakistan’s untapped potential.

An ambitious vision, grounded in reality: Ambition is often met with scepticism. Some may view Uraan Pakistan’s vision of a $3 trillion economy by 2047 as overly optimistic. Yet, this initiative stands apart because it is rooted in actionable strategies aligned with the nation’s economic realities.

Exports: With targeted reforms in IT, manufacturing, agriculture, minerals, manpower, creative industries, and the blue economy, achieving $60 billion in annual exports is feasible. Market diversification, enhanced productivity, and a focus on quality underpin these reforms.

E-Pakistan: Expanding Pakistan’s ICT freelancing industry to $5 billion, fostering startups, and producing 200,000 IT graduates annually aligns with the country’s evolving digital ecosystem.

Environment: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent and promoting reforestation reflect the nation’s urgent need for climate resilience.

These are not wishful aspirations; they are practical, measurable objectives designed to build a stable and dynamic economy.

Balancing immediate needs with long-term vision: For decades, Pakistan has been trapped in a cycle of short-term fixes – IMF bailouts, import restrictions, and ad hoc policies. While such measures address immediate crises, they fail to resolve underlying structural issues. Uraan Pakistan breaks this cycle by balancing short-term gains with a sustained long-term vision.

Key priorities include: Quick Wins: Boosting IT exports, promoting SMEs, and empowering youth through entrepreneurship; Foundational Reforms: Stabilising the rupee, enhancing tax collection, and improving productivity to address systemic challenges; and Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with the private sector, development organisations, and academia to foster innovation and trust.

This dual approach ensures that while pressing challenges are addressed, the nation remains firmly on a path toward enduring prosperity.

Driving momentum – exports and digital innovation: Exports are positioned as the engine of economic growth. By prioritising industries with high export potential – IT, agriculture, creative industries, minerals, and manpower – the initiative aims to stabilise the rupee, reduce import dependence, and unlock Pakistan’s economic potential. Achieving $60 billion in exports annually is not merely aspirational; it is an achievable target given focused reforms.

Similarly, the e-Pakistan component envisions a digital revolution. By nurturing a robust startup ecosystem, producing 200,000 IT graduates annually, and aiming for Pakistan’s first tech unicorn, the initiative seeks to establish Pakistan as a global technology hub, creating jobs and empowering its youth. Sustainability and infrastructure – building for the future: Climate change is an existential threat, and Uraan Pakistan responds with bold environmental goals. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent, expanding water storage by 10 million acre-feet, and increasing cultivable land by 20.3 million acres are transformative measures to ensure food and water security for generations.

Simultaneously, modern energy and transport infrastructure are critical for growth. Increasing renewable energy’s share to 10 per cent, enhancing railway transport to 15 per cent of passenger travel, and fostering regional connectivity are strategic steps toward economic integration and efficiency. Equity and empowerment: a just society: Economic growth must go hand in hand with social development. Uraan Pakistan prioritises human development by: raising universal health coverage by 12 per cent; increasing literacy rates by 10 per cent; and enhancing women’s labour force participation by 17 per cent.

These measures reflect a commitment to fostering a cohesive and inclusive society, ensuring that prosperity benefits every citizen.

Learning from history, charting the future: Pakistan’s past is replete with ambitious plans, from Vision 2010 to Vision 2025. However, political instability and policy discontinuity often undermined their success. The lessons are clear: peace, stability, and unwavering commitment to reforms are prerequisites for sustainable development. The Five-Year National Economic Transformation Plan (2024–2029), the first step of Uraan Pakistan, incorporates these lessons. It prioritises inclusivity, collaboration, and continuity to build a $1 trillion economy by 2035. Strategic alliances between the government, private sector, academia, and civil society will be vital in achieving this vision.

Together, towards a $3 trillion economy by 2047: Uraan Pakistan is more than a policy framework; it is a vision for a thriving, modern, and progressive nation. It calls upon every Pakistani – leaders, citizens, institutions, and the diaspora – to rise above divisions, embrace innovation, and commit to collective progress.

At this critical juncture, Pakistan’s future depends on unity. Differences – whether political, regional, or ideological – must be set aside for the greater goal of national prosperity. Our collective strength lies in collaboration, mutual respect, and shared determination.

As Allama Iqbal so eloquently reminds us:“Tu Shaheen hai, parwaz hai kaam tera,/ Tere samne asman aur bhi hain.”

The challenges may be daunting, but together, we can soar towards new horizons. We can transform Pakistan into a beacon of resilience and prosperity by embracing unity, innovation, and hard work.

Let us seize this moment and build a future that fulfils our aspirations and inspires the world.

Pakistan Zindabad!

The writer is the federal minister for planning, development, and special initiatives. He tweets/posts @betterpakistan