Houston, USA: Federal Minister for Planning,
Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, addressed students, faculty
members, researchers, and members of the Pakistani community at Rice
University, where he said Pakistan has entered a new phase of opportunity after
achieving three major milestones: economic recovery, national resilience, and
diplomatic renewal.
The Minister said the successful execution of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos
demonstrated Pakistan's strategic clarity, national unity, and institutional
coordination, reinforcing confidence in the country's stability as an essential
foundation for investment and sustainable economic development. He added that
the operation exposed India's aggression before the international community
while underscoring Pakistan's responsible and measured approach to regional
peace and security.
| Highlighting Pakistan's diplomatic gains, the Minister said the country has
re-emerged as a credible and responsible global actor that prioritizes dialogue
over confrontation and cooperation over conflict. Through balanced engagement
with major powers and constructive regional diplomacy, Pakistan has
strengthened its international standing and created new opportunities for
economic partnerships.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said these achievements have created a rare strategic
opportunity for Pakistan, but lasting progress requires sustained reforms and
long-term national transformation. Referring to the development experiences of
Singapore, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Gulf states, he
observed that sustainable economic progress depends on political stability,
policy continuity, investment in human capital, innovation, strong
institutions, meritocracy, and productivity.
Describing URAAN Pakistan as a national mission rather than merely an economic
programme, the Minister said it aims to transform Pakistan from a
consumption-driven economy to a productivity-led and innovation-based economy;
from low-value exports to high-value industries; from dependence on external
assistance to investment competitiveness; and from short-term management to
long-term strategic planning.
Reaffirming the Government's vision of making Pakistan a US$1 trillion economy
by 2035 , he said the country's future will be driven by exports, technology,
innovation, entrepreneurship, and a highly skilled workforce, while calling
upon overseas Pakistanis, academia, and young professionals to become partners
in Pakistan's journey towards sustainable and inclusive development.
Later, the Minister joined the Pakistani American community at the Jinnah
Library in Houston to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Addressing the gathering, he said Pakistan has declared 2026 as the "Year
of Quaid-e-Azam" to mark the historic 150th birth anniversary of the
nation's founding fathers. He said the occasion provides an opportunity not
only to honour their extraordinary leadership but also to keep their legacy
alive by passing their vision and values on to future generations. He
emphasized that the principles of integrity, unity, discipline, self-reliance,
constitutionalism, and nation-building continue to serve as Pakistan's guiding
light.
The Minister described the Jinnah Library as a remarkable institution dedicated
to preserving the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and appreciated
the efforts of the Pakistani American community in promoting Pakistan's
history, heritage, and national identity.
Reflecting on the enduring relevance of the founding fathers' vision, the
Minister said that Allama Iqbal's philosophy of Khudi (selfhood) continues to
inspire Pakistanis to unlock their inner potential, dream boldly, and strive
for excellence, while Quaid-e-Azam transformed that vision into reality through
his unwavering commitment to Faith, Unity, Discipline, constitutionalism, and
the rule of law.
He said the Government is translating the vision of the founding fathers into
practical action through URAAN Pakistan, a national initiative focused on
empowering youth through quality education, innovation, advanced technologies,
space sciences, and a knowledge-based economy, enabling Pakistan's young
population to become a driver of national progress and global competitiveness.
The Minister concluded that the greatest tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal is to build the progressive, prosperous,
and forward-looking Pakistan they envisioned. On the occasion, the Quaid-e-Azam
Academy bestowed upon Ahsan Iqbal the Jinnah Cap, its highest honour, in
recognition of his leadership and national service in advancing the ideals of
Quaid-e-Azam.
During his engagements with the Pakistani American community, the Minister held
a productive meeting with Mr. Nasruddin Rupani , Chairman of the Ibn Sina
Foundation , where they discussed avenues for collaboration in the areas of
maternal health, early childhood development, inclusive healthcare, and efforts
to address child stunting . The Minister emphasized the importance of
strengthening partnerships to improve human development outcomes and ensure
equitable access to quality healthcare services.
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