'Uraan Pakistan aims for $1tr economy by 2035,' says Ahsan Iqbal
The goal of 'Uraan Pakistan' is to make Pakistan a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035, said Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. In a step toward that ambition, an agreement was reached on Sunday between the Ministry of Planning and China's Development Research Center (DRC) to enhance economic cooperation.
The understanding was formalized during a meeting between Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Lu Hao, President of China's Development Research Center (DRC) and Center for International Knowledge on Development (CIKD).
Uraan Pakistan is a national initiative aimed at transforming Pakistan into one of the world's leading economies by prioritizing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Guided by the 5Es Framework, it focuses on five critical areas: exports, digital transformation, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure development, and equity and empowerment. The initiative seeks to diversify the economy and enhance Pakistan's global market position through export growth.
Through joint research, training programs, and expert exchanges, China will assist Pakistan in strengthening its economic foundations.
Read: Govt releases detail of Rs17tr Uraan Pakistan
Lu Hao expressed confidence in Pakistan's strategy to become an export-oriented economy.
'Strong economic cooperation between Pakistan and China is the key to national development,' said Ahsan Iqbal.
'CPEC has transformed the everlasting friendship into an economic and social partnership beyond political cooperation,' he stated.
Pakistan wants to promote trade and exports with China
Minister for Planning
Iqbal emphasized Pakistan's intent to draw lessons from China's economic growth and reforms. 'Pakistan is eager to learn from China's economic and reform successes,' he said. 'China's scientific planning is a guiding light for long-term and sustainable economic development.'
Speaking about the domestic economic outlook, Iqbal said the government's 'Uraan Pakistan' initiative is aimed at stabilizing and growing the national economy. 'Through the Uraan Pakistan program, the national economy is moving toward stability,' he said. 'The goal of 'Uraan Pakistan' is to make Pakistan a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035,' the Minister added.
He noted encouraging signs from the economic front. 'International institutions are confirming the positive indicators of the Pakistani economy,' he said. 'The policy rate has decreased from 23% to 11%,' he added.
Referring to market performance, the Minister stated, 'The Pakistan Stock Exchange has surpassed 140,000 points.'
Highlighting trade potential with China, Iqbal said, 'China imports approximately $2 trillion annually, whereas Pakistan's share in it is extremely small.' He stressed, 'Pakistan wants to promote trade and exports with China.'
He further said, 'Gaining access to Chinese markets is an important economic objective.'
Concluding, the Minister pointed out challenges faced in the past. 'In the past, political instability and disruptions in policy continuity affected the development process,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan dispatches 100 tonnes of aid to Gaza under PM's directive
Listen to article Pakistan has sent another shipment of humanitarian aid to Gaza on the special directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Sunday. At a ceremony marking the dispatch, Dar and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik attended as chief guests. Senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, the NDMA and representatives of the Alkhidmat Foundation were also present. During the event, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, called for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians, and urged a lasting political settlement based on a two‑state solution along pre‑1967 borders, in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, today oversaw the dispatch of Pakistan's 17th humanitarian consignment to Gaza—100 tonnes of essential supplies, including food, medical equipment, and powdered milk. During the event, the DPM/FM:… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 3, 2025 Dar praised the NDMA, the Alkhidmat Foundation and other welfare organisations for ensuring the timely dispatch of aid. 'Pakistan stands with the people of Palestine in this difficult time and will make every possible effort to meet their needs,' he said. The Palestinian ambassador to Pakistan thanked the Pakistani people for their continued support and generosity. The 17th consignment, carrying 100 tonnes of relief goods, departed from Islamabad International Airport on a special flight. The federal government has planned to deliver 200 tonnes of aid to Gaza in two special flights, with the remaining 100 tonnes to be dispatched in the coming days. Read More: Pakistan sends tenth humanitarian aid shipment to Palestine The latest consignment includes 65 tonnes of ready-to-eat meals, 20 tonnes of powdered milk for children, 5 tonnes of biscuits and 10 tonnes of medicines. With this flight, Pakistan has so far delivered 1,715 tonnes of aid to Gaza through 17 consignments. The total will reach 1,815 tonnes once the next shipment is sent in the coming days.
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
'Uraan Pakistan aims for $1tr economy by 2035,' says Ahsan Iqbal
Listen to article The goal of 'Uraan Pakistan' is to make Pakistan a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035, said Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. In a step toward that ambition, an agreement was reached on Sunday between the Ministry of Planning and China's Development Research Center (DRC) to enhance economic cooperation. The understanding was formalized during a meeting between Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Lu Hao, President of China's Development Research Center (DRC) and Center for International Knowledge on Development (CIKD). Uraan Pakistan is a national initiative aimed at transforming Pakistan into one of the world's leading economies by prioritizing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Guided by the 5Es Framework, it focuses on five critical areas: exports, digital transformation, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure development, and equity and empowerment. The initiative seeks to diversify the economy and enhance Pakistan's global market position through export growth. Through joint research, training programs, and expert exchanges, China will assist Pakistan in strengthening its economic foundations. Read: Govt releases detail of Rs17tr Uraan Pakistan Lu Hao expressed confidence in Pakistan's strategy to become an export-oriented economy. 'Strong economic cooperation between Pakistan and China is the key to national development,' said Ahsan Iqbal. 'CPEC has transformed the everlasting friendship into an economic and social partnership beyond political cooperation,' he stated. Pakistan wants to promote trade and exports with China Minister for Planning Iqbal emphasized Pakistan's intent to draw lessons from China's economic growth and reforms. 'Pakistan is eager to learn from China's economic and reform successes,' he said. 'China's scientific planning is a guiding light for long-term and sustainable economic development.' Speaking about the domestic economic outlook, Iqbal said the government's 'Uraan Pakistan' initiative is aimed at stabilizing and growing the national economy. 'Through the Uraan Pakistan program, the national economy is moving toward stability,' he said. 'The goal of 'Uraan Pakistan' is to make Pakistan a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035,' the Minister added. He noted encouraging signs from the economic front. 'International institutions are confirming the positive indicators of the Pakistani economy,' he said. 'The policy rate has decreased from 23% to 11%,' he added. Referring to market performance, the Minister stated, 'The Pakistan Stock Exchange has surpassed 140,000 points.' Highlighting trade potential with China, Iqbal said, 'China imports approximately $2 trillion annually, whereas Pakistan's share in it is extremely small.' He stressed, 'Pakistan wants to promote trade and exports with China.' He further said, 'Gaining access to Chinese markets is an important economic objective.' Concluding, the Minister pointed out challenges faced in the past. 'In the past, political instability and disruptions in policy continuity affected the development process,' he said.
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PCB imposes ‘blanket ban' on future participation in WCL
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a blanket ban on future participation of Pakistani players in the World Championship of Legends (WCL), citing political bias and discriminatory treatment during the recently concluded tournament. In an official statement, the PCB strongly criticized the organizers for barring Pakistani cricketers and allowing political considerations to influence the event's conduct, particularly highlighting the refusal of the Indian team to play its scheduled matches against Pakistan. Terming the WCL's apology for 'hurting sentiments' as 'farcical,' the PCB said it inadvertently confirmed that the decision to exclude Pakistani players was not based on cricketing merit but rather a concession to a specific nationalistic narrative. 'This bias, masquerading as sensitivity, sends an unacceptable message to the international sporting community,' the PCB stated. The board further warned that politically influenced and biased decisions compromise the integrity and neutrality of international sports. It noted that participation in such an environment would be against the dignity of Pakistani players and could pose risks for future events. The issue was discussed in detail during a virtual meeting of the PCB's Board of Governors (BoG), attended by Sumair Ahmed Syed, Salman Naseer, Zaheer Abbas, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Zafarullah Jadgal, Tanveer Ahmed, Tariq Sarwar, Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Anwaar Ahmad Khan, Adnan Malik, Usman Wahla (special invitee), and Mir Hassan Naqvi (Additional Secretary). During the Championship of Legends, the Indian team played only one match and refused to face Pakistan in both of their group-stage fixtures. Despite this, Pakistani players were sidelined, prompting strong backlash from the PCB. Bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India has remained frozen since 2008. The only brief resumption came in 2012, when Pakistan toured India for an ODI series led by Shahid Afridi, resulting in a series win for Pakistan. The PCB reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the sport and pledged to raise its voice at all relevant forums against politically tainted decisions in international cricket.
