Islamabad, Mar 12 2025: The Uraan Pakistan Consultative Workshop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) marked a significant step in the ongoing national conversation on sustainable growth and economic transformation.
Led by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, this initiative focuses on aligning provincial development plans with a broader strategy aimed at economic expansion, technological progress, and social inclusion.
Following a productive session in Sindh, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) consultation gathered federal and provincial stakeholders to deliberate on sectoral priorities, economic hurdles, and implementation frameworks under the Uraan Pakistan initiative.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, addressing the participants, emphasized that Pakistan’s future depends on embracing innovation, modern technology, and workforce development. He pointed out that the country’s potential remains largely untapped.
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Especially in terms of female workforce participation, which stands at just 23% compared to the global average of 50%.
He underscored that without investing in women and youth, the country cannot move forward, stressing the importance of education, skill development, and economic opportunities.
While the federal government spearheads national reforms, he highlighted that effective implementation at the provincial level is crucial due to the 18th Amendment. He urged federal and provincial authorities to work in harmony to ensure development strategies are successfully executed.
The minister also expressed concern over Pakistan’s rising population growth rate, which has increased from 2.4% to 2.55%, warning that if left unchecked, it could reach 400 million by 2047, creating severe pressure on national resources like water and food security.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public health, unveiling initiatives for the elimination of Hepatitis C and the prevention of malnutrition and diabetes. He pointed out that 40% of children suffer from malnutrition.
Affecting their mental and physical development, making it imperative for both federal and provincial authorities to take immediate action.
Regarding security and economic revival in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Prof. Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the federal government’s dedication to ensuring peace in newly merged districts.
He shared that discussions with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur resulted in a joint fund allocation mechanism focused on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed gratitude to Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, and other federal and provincial representatives for their participation.
He reassured that KP is committed to economic revival and recognized the province’s vast potential, which has not been fully utilized. Highlighting KP’s fiscal progress.
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He noted that the province has boosted revenue collection by 50% without imposing new taxes and has successfully met its IMF targets.
He also stressed the province’s importance in transit trade, stating that KP is working to enhance trade opportunities and exports.
Regarding energy infrastructure, he mentioned that the province is developing power transmission projects to ensure sufficient electricity supply and industrial expansion.
Addressing natural resource management, he revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has taken stringent actions to eliminate illegal mining while introducing new investment projects in the sector.
He further announced interest-free loans for young entrepreneurs and women, ensuring they attain financial independence and access sustainable employment opportunities.
The Uraan Pakistan initiative aims to propel Pakistan toward a $3 trillion economy by 2047, with a strong emphasis on economic revival, policy stability, and development across all regions.
The workshop ended with a unified pledge from federal and provincial leaders to prioritize policy execution, economic resilience, and inclusive growth, positioning KP as a key player in this national transformation.
