Invest in Youth to build Pakistan’s Future, Says Ahsan Iqbal

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said Pakistan’s

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in its youth, stressing that investment in human capital, education, skills and innovation is essential for the country’s sustainable development.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the URAAN Pakistan “Mitti Ki Pukar” Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026, the minister said nations achieve progress through their people rather than natural resources alone.

He said around 2,000 applications from 54 countries were received for this year’s programme, while 45 outstanding Overseas Pakistani students from 150 leading global universities were selected through a transparent, merit-based process.

Ahsan Iqbal said the two-month programme would provide young scholars with practical exposure to Pakistan’s policymaking process and allow them to contribute ideas for national development under the URAAN Pakistan’s 5Es Framework — Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy, Environment, and Equity & Empowerment.

He highlighted that the current cohort also includes international scholars, reflecting the programme’s growing global recognition.

The minister said Pakistan’s nearly 60 percent young population represents a major opportunity and responsibility for the state to provide quality education, healthcare, modern skills and employment opportunities.

Recalling the country’s development journey, he said Pakistan had faced challenges due to political instability, policy discontinuity and economic crises but added that the government’s focus remained on economic recovery and structural reforms.

He said Pakistan must now focus on economic transformation, with youth playing a central role in driving future growth. He encouraged the scholars to act as ambassadors of Pakistan and use their global experiences to contribute to the country’s progress.

Ahsan Iqbal also said the Ministry of Planning had recommended reforms in university curricula through the Higher Education Commission to align education with emerging technologies and global market needs.