Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, said on Monday that Pakistan stands at the threshold of a new dawn—one defined by hope, determination, national unity, and renewed prospects for progress.
Addressing the launch ceremony of a national anthem commemorating the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan and the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Minister said the event marked far more than the release of a patriotic song; it signified the beginning of a national movement aimed at revitalizing the country's collective spirit, intellectual direction, and commitment to development.
The Minister stated that Pakistan's ideological foundations were laid by the vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said Allama Iqbal inspired the nation through his philosophy of Khudi (selfhood), self-confidence, knowledge, character, and purposeful action, while Quaid-e-Azam transformed that vision into reality by establishing a free, sovereign, modern, and progressive state.
Highlighting the significance of 2026, Professor Ahsan Iqbal noted that the year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, providing the nation with an opportunity to renew its commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the country's founding fathers.
The Minister rejected the perception that Pakistan's national system had failed, emphasizing that the country had entered an era of national reforms rather than institutional collapse .
" This is not the age of systemic failure; it is the age of national reform," he said. "As the world undergoes rapid transformation, Pakistan is also modernizing its institutions, governance framework, and national priorities to meet the demands of the twenty-first century ."
He stressed that the challenges facing a nation of over 250 million people cannot be addressed by elected representatives alone. Sustainable national development, he said, requires the collective efforts of young people, experts, the private sector, civil society, and all state institutions. He emphasized that continuity of reforms, national consensus, and shared responsibility are essential for Pakistan's long-term progress.
The Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan's youth represent the nation's greatest strength and hope. "Our youth are not cockroaches; they are Iqbal's Shaheens," he remarked, urging young Pakistanis to embrace confidence, ambition, and excellence in shaping the country's future .
Referring to Pakistan's recent economic recovery, the Minister recalled that many had predicted in 2022 that the country would default and its system would collapse. However, through collective national resolve, prudent government policies, and public support, Pakistan successfully overcame those challenges and returned to the path of economic stability and growth. He added that overseas Pakistanis are increasingly acknowledging the country's economic recovery and positive trajectory, reflecting the collective efforts of the entire nation.
The Minister described URAAN Pakistan as the government's comprehensive national economic transformation framework designed to align Pakistan with the demands of the twenty-first-century global economy. He said the initiative aims to lay the foundation for a one-trillion-dollar economy by boosting exports, accelerating technological advancement, achieving energy self-reliance, promoting the digital economy, enhancing human capital and skills, improving education and healthcare, ensuring effective population management, and advancing sustainable development.
He further stated that the government is making substantial investments in equipping young people with modern technologies, artificial intelligence, digital skills, and future-oriented education through various programmes and training initiatives, emphasizing that the youth are not merely Pakistan's future but its present.
Speaking about the national anthem, Professor Ahsan Iqbal said it is far more than a musical composition or a source of entertainment. Rather, it is a symbol of national awakening, inspiration, and collective purpose. He said the anthem connects Allama Iqbal's message of selfhood, courage, self-confidence, and nation-building with the passion and energy of today's youth while effectively communicating Quaid-e-Azam's vision of a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous Pakistan to the younger generation.
The Minister observed that Allama Iqbal did not merely encourage people to dream; he taught them how to transform dreams into reality through knowledge, character, hard work, and perseverance. He urged young Pakistanis to believe in their potential, rise above limitations, strengthen their sense of self, and play an active role in national development.
Concluding his address, Professor Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan's true strength lies not in its past struggles but in the determination, talent, knowledge, and resilience of its youth. He stressed that sustainable development, national prosperity, and security can only be achieved when the entire nation embraces collective consciousness, national unity, and the reform agenda as a shared mission.
He reaffirmed that URAAN Pakistan is not the agenda of any single political party or government but a national mission that seeks to transform Pakistan into a strong, self-reliant, prosperous, and dignified state.
