Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has said that Pakistan's greatest national asset is not its nuclear capability but its talented youth, emphasizing that the true strength of nations lies in investing in human capital, quality education, modern skills, and policy continuity.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the URAAN Pakistan "Mitti Ki Pukar" Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026 held in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The Minister announced that nearly 2,000 applications were received from 54 countries for this year's programme. Following a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based selection process, 45 exceptional Overseas Pakistani students representing 150 of the world's leading universities were selected . Congratulating the scholars, he said they had earned their place through an extremely competitive and transparent process.
He said the two-month programme offers Overseas Pakistani students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within Pakistan's public sector, understand the policymaking process, and contribute meaningfully to the country's national development agenda.
Highlighting a unique feature of this year's cohort, the Minister noted that, alongside Pakistani participants, the programme also welcomes three international scholars from foreign countries, reflecting the programme's growing international recognition and appeal.
Ahsan Iqbal said that over the coming weeks, the scholars will work closely with the senior leadership of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, contributing innovative ideas and global perspectives to the implementation of URAAN Pakistan's 5Es Framework—Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy, Environment, and Equity & Empowerment. Their contributions, he said, will help strengthen evidence-based policymaking and transform knowledge into practical solutions for national progress.
The Minister remarked that he is often asked about his primary responsibility in government, to which he always responds that his foremost mission is to build Pakistan's youth. He stressed that no nation achieves sustainable prosperity through natural resources alone; rather, long-term success is driven by investment in people, education, skills, and innovation. He added that whenever the Pakistan Muslim League (N) has been entrusted with public office, empowering young people through education, skills development, and opportunities has remained one of its highest priorities.
Reflecting on the government's development achievements, Ahsan Iqbal said that the PML-N government successfully overcame the country's energy crisis and terrorism, developed modern infrastructure, launched transformational initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and expanded opportunities for young Pakistanis through education and skills development.
The Minister recalled that in 2017, the global consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) projected that Pakistan could become one of the world's top twenty economies by 2030 if its development trajectory continued uninterrupted. However, he said that political instability and an artificial political transition derailed that progress, pushing the country into severe economic difficulties and bringing it close to sovereign default.
He stated that when the current government assumed office in 2022, Pakistan was facing one of the most challenging economic situations in its history. Despite difficult political circumstances, the government chose to prioritize saving the state over short-term political interests, implementing tough but necessary reforms to stabilize the economy. Today, he said, Pakistan is no longer viewed as a country at risk of default, and its economic recovery is increasingly being recognized internationally.
The Minister observed that although Pakistan has been blessed with abundant natural resources, mineral wealth, and a hardworking population, its progress has historically been hindered by the absence of lasting peace, policy discontinuity, political instability, and the lack of sustained structural reforms.
He emphasized that nearly sixty percent of Pakistan's population comprises young people, placing a significant responsibility on the state to provide them with quality education, healthcare, market-relevant skills, and equal opportunities for meaningful employment.
Ahsan Iqbal also highlighted Pakistan's recent diplomatic achievements, stating that the country's constructive role on the global stage has been widely acknowledged. He said that after succeeding in diplomatic arenas, Pakistan must now focus on winning the battle for economic transformation, with young people serving as the driving force behind that national effort.
Describing the scholars as Pakistan's ambassadors, he said they represent the country's finest talent at some of the world's most prestigious universities. The programme, he added, aims to connect them with Pakistan's development process, expose them to public policymaking, and equip them with valuable professional experience that will benefit both their careers and the country.
The Minister further informed the audience that the Ministry of Planning has submitted recommendations to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to modernize university curricula in line with emerging technologies, global industry requirements, and future workforce demands, ensuring that higher education remains relevant to national development and employment opportunities.
Concluding his address, Ahsan Iqbal encouraged the scholars to make the most of their six-week engagement with experienced officers and policymakers at the Ministry. He urged them to embrace the opportunity with optimism, transform the programme into a memorable learning experience, and remain committed to contributing to Pakistan's progress and prosperity throughout their professional lives.
