Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has unveiled an ambitious vision to make Pakistan a trillion-dollar economy by 2035, under the newly launched ‘Udan Pakistan’ initiative.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Quetta, Iqbal emphasized that with the right planning, political stability, and continuity in policies, Pakistan can reclaim its path to sustainable development.
Addressing students at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Iqbal reflected on the journey of economic progress and setbacks Pakistan has faced over the years. He recalled that when the PML-N government came into power in 2013, the country was plagued by terrorism, energy shortages, and political instability — much like the situation it inherited again in recent years.
“In 2013, we brought Pakistan back from the brink, and we can do it again,” Iqbal said confidently.
Highlighting achievements during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, the minister credited his government for restoring peace in Balochistan and Karachi by 2017, constructing a vast road network, connecting Gwadar to Quetta, and reducing terrorism through development-focused policies.
Iqbal lamented that the development journey was derailed in 2018, claiming that if continuity had been maintained, Pakistan could have outpaced countries like Malaysia and Nawaz Sharif would have stood taller than Mahathir Mohamad in terms of leadership legacy.
He heavily criticized the PTI-led government for its poor governance and policy missteps, stating that: “In 2022, Pakistan had internally defaulted. We couldn’t even pay a quarterly IMF installment.”
He accused former prime minister Imran Khan of economic mismanagement and undermining national security by allegedly offering leniency to hardcore terrorists.
On a more optimistic note, Iqbal announced several socio-economic initiatives under Udan Pakistan, especially targeting the upliftment of Balochistan:
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Chinese language programs introduced for students in Gwadar
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Rs1 billion allocated to Khuzdar Engineering University for mining sector development
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Increased university funding and foreign scholarships for Balochistan’s youth, including lawyers affected by terrorism
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A rising number of admissions in institutions like Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, despite past terror incidents
Iqbal praised the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), acknowledging the martyrdom of 43 workers who laid down their lives while building highways in Balochistan.
He reiterated the need for long-term planning, comparing Pakistan’s struggles with countries like India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, which, he said, followed consistent economic roadmaps.
“We are ready to take off for the fourth time,” said Iqbal, referring to Udan Pakistan as a movement toward a stronger and self-reliant Pakistan by 2047, the country’s centennial year.
The minister concluded by noting signs of early economic recovery:
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Inflation down from 38% to 2.5%
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Interest rate reduced to 10%
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Remittances on the rise
He stressed that the success of Udan Pakistan hinges on national unity, investment in education, and continuity in developmental policies across governments.
