Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, addressed the URAAN Pakistan Debates 2025 in Islamabad, terming the initiative a vital platform for cultivating a new generation of intellectual and ethical leadership in the country.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said that “URAAN Debates is a platform for nurturing a new intellectual leadership in Pakistan.” He emphasized that the youth of Pakistan are the country’s true strength, noting that their potential is not limited but destined for a high and ambitious flight. He stated that the government is laying the foundations for a new intellectual and moral awakening that will shape Pakistan’s future.
The Minister highlighted that the event represents students from every region of the country and urged the youth to keep their focus on Pakistan’s Vision 2047 - the year when Pakistan and its neighbouring country will celebrate the 100 years of independence.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed that just as Pakistan succeeded in Marka e Haq, it will also triumph in the “battle for development” through perseverance, unity, and long-term reforms. He underscored that successful nations achieved progress by adopting peace, stability, policy continuity, and sustained reforms.
He noted that the government is equipping young Pakistanis with knowledge, creativity, and technological capacity required for the modern era. “We are preparing our youth to become knowledge leaders of the new technological age,” he added. He emphasized that Pakistan’s youth must aspire to reach the highest levels of innovation, describing their journey as “a flight towards the stars.”
Prof. Iqbal also said that URAAN Pakistan continues the vision set under Vision 2025, adding that Pakistan’s stock market, IT sector, exports, and remittances have all demonstrated record growth. “Pakistan is ready for its fourth historic take-off,” he said, stressing that this take-off must be sustainable, decisive, and collective.
He reiterated that young Pakistanis are the biggest partners in the country’s development and that several initiatives have been launched to integrate youth into the national development process. He said that society must overcome the voices of hate and prejudice, and instead empower youth as ambassadors of peace, harmony, and unity.
The Minister urged young people to become builders of their homeland rather than leaving the country. “Pakistan is a country where every dream can be realized through hard work and dedication,” he concluded.
