Addressing the Pakistan Governance Forum 2026, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, stated that Pakistan has a clear choice: to become a $600 billion economy by 2035 or to transform into a $1 trillion economy. He emphasized that this decision depends on the capability of leadership and the effectiveness of governance.
The forum was attended by Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, development partners, representatives of the private sector, academia, civil society, and a large number of young scholars while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest.
The Federal Minister said that good governance is based on merit, transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric service delivery. He noted that over the past two years, the government, through reforms and improved governance, has steered the economy away from the brink of bankruptcy, and today international financial institutions are presenting Pakistan’s economic recovery as a case study.
He stated that if Pakistan continues to grow at its traditional pace, the economy will reach $600 billion by 2035. However, with national cohesion, positive synergy, and accelerated reforms, Pakistan can achieve the milestone of a $1 trillion economy. He stressed that fostering collective competence is essential to achieve this goal.
Referring to the government’s Five Es (Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment & Climate Change, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity & Empowerment), he said that increasing exports beyond $100 billion, promoting technology and artificial intelligence, addressing climate change, improving energy efficiency, and investing in human resource development are national priorities.
He warned that challenges such as climate change, water and food security, a 2.55 percent annual population growth rate, 40 percent child stunting, 25 million out-of-school children, and a 10 percent tax-to-GDP ratio are serious governance issues requiring urgent attention.
The Minister highlighted that 9 million overseas Pakistanis contribute $40 billion in remittances, while a population of 240 million at home generates only $40 billion in exports, underscoring a significant performance gap that must be addressed as a national priority.
He stressed that this is not the time for political confrontation but for an economic long march. The federation and provinces must work together on a unified national development agenda.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal further stated that the Ministry of Planning has made all development projects publicly accessible through an online portal to ensure transparency and keep citizens informed about government initiatives. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping youth with 21st-century skills and transforming Pakistan into a strong and self-reliant economy.
