Pakistan’s push to build a technology-driven economy received renewed support from the overseas Pakistani community in the United States. Expatriates pledged to promote investment, innovation, and knowledge exchange under the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative.
Speaking at a ceremony hosted for the Pakistani community during his visit to Northern California, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal urged overseas Pakistanis to place “Pakistan First” above political differences. He asked them to unite under a shared national identity to help accelerate the country’s economic transformation. He noted that the country’s future relies heavily on financial self-sufficiency.
Ambitious Economic Goals Under the 5Es Framework
The minister explained that the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative aims to transform the country into a knowledge-based, technology-driven, and sustainable economy. The state targets becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2035 while increasing exports to more than $100 billion.
To achieve this, the comprehensive transformation plan structures its long-term goals around the 5Es framework. This strategic policy targets five crucial pillars:
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Exports: Scaling up traditional manufacturing, agriculture, and mining sectors to generate foreign reserves.
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E-Pakistan: Accelerating digital transformation, AI adoption, and freelance markets for the youth.
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Environment: Implementing sustainable practices to combat intense climate change impacts.
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Energy: Building affordable, green energy infrastructure to power local industries efficiently.
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Equity: Empowering youth and marginalized communities through systemic education reforms.
Harnessing AI and the US Trade Bridge
Highlighting digital transformation as a national priority, Ahsan Iqbal described artificial intelligence as a historic opportunity for Pakistan. He noted that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, making the Pakistani-American community a key link in expanding bilateral trade and investment.
He said the government is establishing National Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Big Data, Robotics, Genomics, and Quantum Computing to equip the country for the next wave of technological advancement. These institutions will help build advanced local capacity in machine learning and automated systems.
Developing Human Capital Through Global Collaborations
In addition to expanding digital networks, the planning ministry is heavily prioritizing advanced academic development. He also highlighted progress under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative, which seeks to develop globally competitive human capital through collaborations with leading international universities.
During his visit to Northern California, the minister also held discussions on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies with Silicon Valley professionals and attended a reception hosted by members of the Pakistani-American community.
The community reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic transformation through investment, technology collaboration, and knowledge sharing, while endorsing the government’s “Pakistan First” vision under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.
