The Uraan Pakistan Consultative Workshop held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) marked another milestone in the national dialogue on sustainable development and economic transformation. The initiative, spearheaded by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, aims to align provincial development strategies with a broader vision for economic growth, technological advancement, and social equity. After a successful consultation in Sindh, the KP session brought together key federal and provincial stakeholders to discuss sectoral priorities, economic challenges, and implementation mechanisms under the Uraan Pakistan framework.
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Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, while addressing the workshop, highlighted that Pakistan must embrace innovation, technology, and human capital development to secure its place among leading global economies. He stressed that youth and women’s empowerment is crucial for the country’s future, noting that Pakistan’s workforce potential remains underutilized, with only 23% female participation compared to the global average of 50%. He emphasized that a country that does not invest in its youth and women cannot progress and that equipping them with skills, education, and opportunities is essential.
He pointed out that while the federal government leads key national reforms, effective policy implementation at the provincial level is critical due to the 18th Amendment. He called for synchronized efforts between the federal and provincial governments to ensure that development strategies are aligned and executed efficiently.
During his speech, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal raised concerns over Pakistan’s alarming population growth rate, which has risen from 2.4% to 2.55%. If left unchecked, Pakistan’s population could reach 400 million by 2047, placing immense pressure on national resources, including water and food security. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public health, announcing a Hepatitis C elimination initiative and programs to combat diabetes and malnutrition. He noted that 40% of Pakistani children suffer from malnutrition, impacting their cognitive and physical growth, making it a shared responsibility of federal and provincial governments to address this issue.
On security concerns in KP, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and economic stability in the newly merged districts. He shared that discussions with KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had led to a joint mechanism for fund allocation, ensuring targeted investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He urged all stakeholders to utilize this consultative workshop as a platform to identify actionable steps under Uraan Pakistan. By ensuring policy continuity, political stability, and a unified approach, the initiative aims to transform Pakistan into a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, in his address, expressed gratitude to Federal Minister for Planning Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, and all federal and provincial representatives for joining the KP session of Uraan Pakistan. He reaffirmed that KP is fully committed to development and economic revival, recognizing the province’s immense potential that has remained underutilized. He noted that KP has achieved a 50% increase in revenue collection without introducing any new taxes and assured that the province has met its IMF targets, with further economic goals soon to be achieved.
He emphasized the province’s potential in transit trade, stating that KP is working to maximize trade opportunities and improve exports. Discussing national security, he stressed that terrorism must not be used for political gains but rather addressed as a collective national issue. He also highlighted KP’s progress in energy infrastructure, stating that the province is actively working on power transmission projects to enhance energy supply and industrial growth.
On mining and natural resources, he revealed that KP has taken strong measures to regulate the sector, ending illegal mining activities and introducing new investment projects. He further announced that the KP government is providing interest-free loans to support entrepreneurship and self-employment, especially for youth and women, ensuring they have financial independence and sustainable opportunities.
Ali Amin Gandapur praised the federal government’s efforts in launching Uraan Pakistan and ensuring a comprehensive national strategy for development. He stressed that while federal initiatives come and go, policy continuity and effective implementation are key. He expressed his satisfaction that the federal government had formally engaged KP’s stakeholders in the consultation process and reaffirmed that KP will ensure the successful execution of Uraan Pakistan in the province, taking a leading role in its implementation.
The Uraan Pakistan Consultative Workshop in KP reinforced a strong commitment to development, economic revival, and national unity. It served as a key step in integrating provincial strategies with the national vision for a prosperous Pakistan by 2047. The workshop concluded with a joint commitment by federal and provincial leaders to ensure policy implementation, sustained economic progress, and inclusive development across all regions of Pakistan.
