Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said Pakistan’s youth can play a central role in transforming the country into a $3 trillion economy by 2047, urging young people to focus on practical solutions to national challenges.
Addressing a ceremony at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad marking the completion of 1,700 teams under the Bano Shaheen Program, Iqbal said the initiative aims to involve young people in identifying socioeconomic problems and developing solutions. He added that the establishment of 50 Bano Shaheen chapters at the university was an important milestone, while the ministry has established chapters in more than 165 universities nationwide.
The minister said achieving the $3 trillion economic target would require sound policies, continuity, effective implementation, and a supportive environment for talent and investment. He referred to Vietnam’s export growth as an example of how countries can advance through sustained development efforts.
Iqbal also highlighted education and human development as national priorities, calling for efforts to bring 25 million out-of-school children into the education system and address child malnutrition. He said a scholarship programme offering 5,000 scholarships had been launched for young people from the country’s poorest districts, including Balochistan and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
The minister further stressed the importance of technology, digital access, and responsible communication, warning that fake news and misinformation pose challenges in the age of artificial intelligence and social media. He urged young people to verify information, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to Pakistan’s economic development as the country approaches its centenary of independence in 2047.
