Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal addressed a commemorative event organized by the Islamabad High Court Bar Association in connection with Youm-e-Takbeer, reaffirming Pakistan’s national resolve to uphold its defence capability, ensure economic progress, and strengthen democratic values.
The event was attended by prominent legal figures including Mr. Wajid Gilani (President, Islamabad High Court Bar Association), Mr. Manzoor Ahmed Raza (General Secretary), Mr. Fazl-ur-Rehman Niazi (President, Lawyers Forum), Mr. Arshad Jadoon, Mr. Raja Aleem Abbasi, Mr. Azeem Chaudhry (former president), Ms. Shaista, and other esteemed legal professionals.
In his keynote, the Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal began by expressing appreciation for the presence of numerous women lawyers at the gathering, terming their active participation in national affairs a positive sign of societal progress.
Speaking on the significance of Youm-e-Takbeer, Ahsan Iqbal reminded the audience of India’s five nuclear tests on May 11 and 13, 1998, and Pakistan’s befitting response on May 28 with six nuclear detonations in Chagai. He emphasized that these tests not only answered India’s challenge but also made Pakistan’s defence impregnable. He paid tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan for laying the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear program, and to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for resisting immense global pressure and monetary inducements to demonstrate Pakistan’s nuclear capability.
The Minister Ahsan Iqbal linked the spirit of May 28 with recent national achievements, referencing the heroic response of Pakistan’s Air Force on May 7 and 10, 2025, when India once again violated Pakistan’s sovereignty under the cover of night. Pakistan’s Air Force, he said, downed six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, demonstrating superior airpower and tactical precision.
Highlighting the evolving geopolitical and technological landscape, Prof. Iqbal stressed the urgency for Pakistan to adapt to the global technological revolution. “Nations that embrace innovation will flourish; those that lag risk obsolescence,” he warned.
To meet these challenges, the Minister unveiled the government’s flagship initiative, URAAN Pakistan, aimed at accelerating economic growth through technological advancement, innovation, and sustainable development. He detailed key projects under URAAN, including:
Expansion of digital infrastructure to boost connectivity and access to technology nationwide.
Investments in science and technology sectors to drive innovation and self-reliance.
Empowerment of youth and women through skills development programs.
Strengthening industrial growth to create jobs and enhance exports.
Prof. Iqbal linked economic resilience with national defence, citing recent military successes such as Pakistan Air Force’s decisive response to incursions in May 2025, which showcased the integration of advanced technology and tactical expertise.
He also recognized the legal community’s role in fostering democracy and institutional integrity. “Lawyers embody the intellectual backbone of our society, upholding democratic traditions and the peaceful transfer of power,” he said, urging political parties to adopt similar values for democratic continuity.
Concluding his address, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal called on all sectors—judiciary, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and citizens—to unite under the vision of a prosperous, technologically advanced Pakistan, inspired by the spirit of Youm-e-Takbeer.
