Latest news with #URAANPakistan
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ahsan vows to deepen cooperation with World Bank
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to deepening cooperation with the World Bank in pursuit of a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready Pakistan. He was talking to the newly appointed Country Director of the World Bank Bolorma Amgaabazar, who called on him in Islamabad on Wednesday. The outgoing Country Director, Najy Benhassine, also participated in the meeting. Welcoming Amgaa-bazar, Minister Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the World Bank's continued partnership and acknowledged Benhass-ine's instrumental role in deepening development cooperation during his tenure. He expressed confidence that this positive trajectory will continue under Amgaabazar's leadership, especially under the evolving priorities set forth in Pakistan's long-term development road-map. Minister Iqbal emphasised that the government has launched the URAAN Pakistan initiative — a comprehensive and future-oriented development framework designed to position Pakistan as a $3 trillion economy by 2047. He noted that the initiative is rooted in five strategic pillars, known as the 5Es: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Resilience, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity, Ethics and Empowerment. The initiative is focused on smart governance, inclusive growth, and public sector transformation. 'In today's fast-changing global context, planning must be intelligent and adaptive,' said the Minister. 'URAAN Pakistan is about creating hope, harnessing innovation, and enabling long-term stability through scenario-based planning and institutional reform.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sub-committee formed to examine PSDP
ISLAMABAD: Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025–26 meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq gave top priority to sectors including energy, transport, water, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives under CPEC Phase 2.0 for next fiscal year. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq chaired a meeting of the Committee on the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025–26. The meeting was attended by the Ministers for Planning, Economic Affairs, and Food Security; Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr Tauqeer Shah; SAPMs on Political Affairs and IPC, Secretary Planning and other senior officials from the concerned departments. The Planning Commission provided a detailed briefing on the status of ongoing PSDP projects, proposed priorities for the next fiscal year, and challenges facing implementation. The meeting stressed the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) amid fiscal constraints, and a sub-committee was formed to examine the PSDP in detail and present actionable recommendations. The DPM/FM emphasized that PSDP priorities must deliver tangible socio-economic benefits, particularly job creation, poverty reduction, and regional equity, aligned with the PM's URAAN Pakistan vision for inclusive, innovation-led growth. Priority sectors identified included; energy, transport, water, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives under CPEC Phase 2.0, with a focus on empowering underserved regions and boosting national productivity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
Development impact bonds: a possible solution to curb learning poverty in Pakistan
'One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.' Malala Yousafzai Education is a transformative force that empowers individuals, reduces social inequalities, combats poverty, and contributes to a more sustainable development. Given the significance of education for a nation, URAAN Pakistan has taken various initiatives to improve the educational indicators like education spending, net primary enrolment, completion rate, equitable accessibility to higher education and to improve literacy rate by 10 percent. URAAN Pakistan structured around the '5Es' framework is the foundation of the National Economic Transformation Plan (2024–2029). To make a brighter future for education in Pakistan possible, an evidence-based decision and policymaking is indispensable. Databases like District Education Performance Index (DEPIx, 2023) and the Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LANA 2023) can serve the purpose. Data reveal that the challenge in Pakistan is not merely about getting children into schools, but ensuring students acquire meaningful and impactful learning in the classroom. The policy implementation heavily relies on input and activities rather than actual learning outcomes. The recent figures indicate that over 25.3 million children remain out-of-school, and 79 percent of students falls under learning poverty; a student unable to read and understand a basic sentence by the age of 10. The findings of the DEPIx report, developed by the Planning Commission, show a national average score of just 53.46, which places the country in the 'Low' performance category, across five domains in 134 districts. In parallel, the recent report of LANA conducted under the supervision of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), shows that Pakistan's average reading scores range between 318 and 343, with only 55 percent of students reaching the 'Basic International Benchmark' in reading. While, in mathematics, the average scores fall between 368 and 39, which is below the minimum international benchmark of 400. Only 1 percent of students achieve the high benchmark (550), while 71 percent scored only at the basic level (325). This indicates that more than half of the students fall below the 25th percentile, reflecting the urgency of addressing learning poverty. These findings in the education sector imply that achieving a desired learning outcomes is still a distant dream. In this context, there is an urgent need to shift from input focused policies and planning to an outcome driven approach. In this regard, one promising solution is the adoption of Development Impact Bonds (DIBs), a results-based financing mechanism that links funding to measurable outcomes rather than to inputs or activities. In a DIB model, private investors provide upfront capital to implement educational interventions, and governments or donors repay the investment only when an independent evaluator approves that the predefined learning outcomes have been achieved. This model has shown positive results in countries like India with the Educate Girls DIB, in the UK with the Education Outcomes Fund, and in the US with the 'Abt Associates' early childhood education, all improving educational outcomes than the traditional interventions. This model not only ensures accountability but also encourages innovation and efficiency in service delivery. Pakistan is well-positioned to pilot Impact Bonds in the education sector. Datasets sources such as DEPIx and LANA provide baseline data to set performance targets and evaluate progress. The districts performing poorly in learning outcomes, especially those in Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab can be targeted for pilot interventions. Donor agencies such as the World Bank, USAID, and the Asian Development Bank, already engaged in Pakistan's education reform, can act as outcome funders, while NGOs and ed-tech providers may serve as implementing partners, working together to improve quality in education. In this regard, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, provincial departments, and planning bodies can realign their priorities to reflect the reality that learning is the most important goal of schooling. Moreover, education policy evaluation, which has historically been rare in Pakistan, should become a regular part of planning and budgeting cycles. In a nutshell, Pakistan's education emergency is not a crisis of ability but a crisis of governance, policy, and accountability. The findings from DEPIx and LANA are not only a wake-up call but also serve as a foundation for building a roadmap for educational improvement. They show us that while infrastructure and access have seen modest gains, but the real bottlenecks lie in the learning outcomes. Addressing these challenges requires more than progressive reforms. It demands a paradigm shift in how education is financed, delivered, and measured. Impact Bonds offer a potential solution, emphasizing accountability, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on tangible results. In a nation with millions of children lacking quality education, such innovation is not merely a choice—it is a necessity. (Muhammad Yasir Khan is an MPhil student, and Dr Anjeela Khurram is a lecturer at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE)) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministries asked to align their projects with ‘URAAN'
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal directed the relevant authorities and ministries to align their projects with URAAN Pakistan's strategic goals and actively participate in the monitoring, reporting, and evaluation process. He also directed the relevant authorities to conduct quarterly meetings to review the performance and targets of the implementation plans and goals of the URAAN Pakistan programme. The minister gave these directions while chairing a special meeting on the alignment of sectoral priorities, plans, and interventions with URAAN Pakistan here on Wednesday. Minister launches Season-2 of Uraan innovation hub The meeting was attended by Chief Economist Planning Commission Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Project Director URAAN Pakistan Irma Malik, Members of the Planning Commission, and senior officials from federal and provincial ministries. The minister emphasised improved stakeholder coordination and management, a deeper understanding of URAAN Pakistan among line ministry partners, identification of targeted policy interventions for localised implementation, development and oversight of a monitoring framework, and a comprehensive document on early priorities and opportunities. He added that gaps must be identified to implement URAAN Pakistan effectively. In his opening remarks, Ahsan Iqbal paid rich tribute to the timely, effective, and courageous response of the Pakistan Air Force against Indian aggression. He stated that Pakistan's aircraft are not merely machines— they symbolise national dignity, pride, and an unwavering commitment to the defense of the motherland. He asserted that a nation that knows how to defend its territory can never be defeated by any enemy. The minister further highlighted that the brave air warriors of the Pakistan Air Force downed five Indian jets in a swift counter-operation, sending a strong message that the Pakistani nation remains vigilant and fully capable of responding decisively to any hostile intent. By delivering a robust and fitting reply, the Pakistan Armed Forces demonstrated to the world the consequences that await those who cast an evil eye on Pakistan. 'I am confident,' the minister added, 'that after this, India will think 10 times before repeating such aggression. However, this act of hostility will not deter us from our real agenda—Pakistan's economic development.' He emphasised that true national security today is directly linked with economic strength. Until Pakistan becomes economically strong, it cannot ensure a prosperous future for its people. 'We must realise,' he said, 'that if we want to achieve our development goals and make Pakistan a developed nation, we must break away from the mindset of 'business as usual.' Business as usual will not allow us to fully utilise our national potential. We need to move forward with a bold, future-oriented approach.' He stressed that the modern era is driven by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology, and Pakistan must align itself with this global pace. 'Look at our public offices and schools— very little has changed. The world has advanced rapidly, yet these two sectors remain stagnant. We must embrace change step by step, as this is now an urgent national requirement.' This, he said, is the core philosophy behind the 'URAAN Pakistan' initiative—to put Pakistan on a transformational path. By unlocking our full potential and driving growth, Pakistan can become a $1 trillion economy by 2025. But if we continue with the same pace and mindset, growing only at four per cent annually, we will only reach $500 billion by 2035. He concluded by stating that transformational change is needed in every institution. 'URAAN Pakistan is not just a program—it is a national transformational plan that calls upon every sector to design and implement bold strategies for high-speed and sustainable growth.' He also added that the 5Es of URAAN Pakistan reflect the five major weaknesses of our economy, and addressing them is key to achieving long-term national prosperity. He said that 'Pakistan has long relied on consumption and imports. Now is the time to shift towards growth driven by exports,' he stressed. He emphasized that growth must be inclusive, ensuring equity and poverty alleviation through job creation and youth development. URAAN Pakistan, he said, prioritises skills training and workforce development to meet the demands of an evolving industrial landscape. 'Nations that embrace technology leapfrog stages of development. Those that resist are left behind. Digitalisation is not just about apps and portals—it's about dismantling red tape and building responsive, intelligent systems,' he remarked. Iqbal described the emergence of 'e-Pakistan' as a new pillar of the country's transformation strategy, focused on re-imagining the national economic model through digital ecosystems in fintech, agri-tech, and green-tech – all designed to generate jobs and attract investment. He said policies were being shaped to position Pakistan as a regional IT hub, supporting artificial intelligence labs, digital finance, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure. 'Pakistan's future economic resilience depends on climate-smart planning,' he added. The Project Director, Irma, briefly discussed the agenda of the meeting with the participants, which was to review, identify, and plug gaps in sectoral policies, plans, and interventions in light of URAAN Pakistan. The objective is to revamp effective and high-productivity sectoral transformation plans for the National Economic Transformation, to develop a robust KPI framework for efficient monitoring and evaluation, to build a common understanding of the URAAN Pakistan Programme among focal persons, to enhance the capacity of line ministries on the URAAN Pakistan implementation framework, and to improve coordination mechanisms for the implementation of development programmes. Furthermore, the meeting aimed to ensure that PSDPs and ADPs are aligned with URAAN goals and to identify early harvest and high-impact projects within each sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Ahsan opens Int'l Centre of Excellence for Seerah Studies
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the International Centre of Excellence for Seerah Studies and officially opened the International Seerah Conference on 'Contemporary Dimensions in the Study of the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)' at the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) on Thursday. Addressing the audience as chief guest, the minister described the occasion as a historic milestone not only for academia but for the intellectual and moral future of Pakistan and the wider Muslim Ummah. He emphasised that the establishment of the Centre is more than a scholarly endeavour it marks the beginning of a movement to reclaim the ethical, spiritual, and intellectual leadership of Islam in today's complex world. Highlighting the universal relevance of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) life, the minister said that the Prophet's(PBUH) teachings serve as a complete code of conduct encompassing personal behaviour, justice, governance, tolerance, social harmony, and global peace. He underlined the need to draw from this Prophetic model at a time when the world is grappling with polarisation, materialism, and moral confusion. The minister linked the initiative to the broader national vision, URAAN Pakistan, which aspires to transform Pakistan into a $3 trillion economy by 2047. He stated that this transformation must be rooted in moral clarity and the Prophet's (PBUH) ethical teachings, forming the foundation for the 5Es framework — Exports, Energy, E-Pakistan, Environment, and Equity. According to him, the values of truth in commerce, justice in energy distribution, transparency in governance, care for the environment, and inclusion of the marginalized are inspired directly by the Seerah. Addressing the issue of national unity and interfaith harmony, Iqbal stressed that Pakistan's strength lies in its diversity. He warned against the dangers posed by sectarianism, extremism, and divisive foreign agendas, advocating for a return to the pluralistic and inclusive model exemplified by the Prophet (PBUH) through the Mithaq-e-Madina — the world's first pluralistic constitution. He called for youth education based on academic inquiry, ethical leadership, and public discourse rooted in Prophetic (PBUH) values. The minister urged the Centre to become a hub for countering extremism and misinformation, linking the Seerah's guidance to contemporary challenges such as climate change, gender equity, economic justice, and knowledge-based development. He stated that globally, the prophetic message offers answers to issues like war, discrimination, and systemic injustice, and that Pakistan has a duty to promote peace through character, dialogue, and research not force. Concluding his address, Iqbal congratulated the International Islamic University, the Higher Education Commission, and all contributors to the initiative. He expressed the hope that the Centre would serve as a beacon of peace, wisdom, and academic excellence for generations. He called upon scholars and students to rise to the sacred responsibility of embodying and promoting the Seerah not only as a subject of study but as a guiding force for national and global transformation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
