Aayal QureshiDubai: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has called on overseas Pakistanis to become pivotal partners in the country’s economic transformation, outlining a bold vision to elevate Pakistan’s economy to $1 trillion by 2035 and $3 trillion by 2047.
Speaking at the Pakistan Day reception hosted by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai, Minister Iqbal addressed an audience of diplomats, UAE officials, and the Pakistani community. He emphasized the crucial role of the diaspora in driving exports, investment, and innovation.
“Overseas Pakistanis are key to building bridges, enhancing exports, and bringing investments that will propel Pakistan into the next phase of its economic evolution,” Iqbal stated. He encouraged the community to harness their global networks and expertise to help unlock Pakistan’s economic potential.
The minister presented the “Uraan Pakistan Initiative,” a comprehensive economic strategy focused on expanding exports, fostering e-commerce, addressing environmental sustainability, and overhauling energy infrastructure.
Ambitious Goals and Strategic Pillars
Key targets include doubling exports from $32 billion to $60 billion within five years and reaching $200 billion by 2030. Pakistan also aims to position itself as a technological hub by embracing the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions and transforming into a green energy powerhouse.
The plan also prioritizes climate resilience, water security, and modern infrastructure to make Pakistan a strategic manufacturing and logistics hub connecting South Asia, China, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Human development remains a central pillar, with a focus on youth empowerment, increasing female labor participation from 23% to 50%, and improving access to education and healthcare.
Diplomatic and Community Engagement
The reception also featured Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, and was attended by Khalid Muhammad Al-Kaabi from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consul General Hussain Muhammad Addressing the gathering, the significance of the Pakistan Resolution as the foundation of a resilient, diverse, and forward-looking nation. He invited global partners to explore the vast opportunities available in Pakistan across key sectors such as energy, IT, agriculture, minerals and tourism.
The Consul General also emphasized the deep-rooted and historic ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, acknowledging the visionary leadership of the UAE’s founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He paid tribute to the over 1.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, describing them as a vibrant bridge between the two nations, and expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for their continued support and friendship.A special moment in the evening was the presentation of the book Sheikh Zayed: The Builder of the Nation, authored by Khan Zaman Saroor, honoring the legacy of the UAE’s founding father. Guests also viewed a short documentary showcasing historical milestones in Pakistan-UAE relations dating back to the 1960s.
Minister Iqbal concluded by reaffirming that Pakistan’s future lies not only within its borders but in the hands of its global citizens. “Together, we can shape a prosperous and powerful Pakistan,” he declared.
