Key Points
- Planning minister says Pakistan is on track to achieve a $1 trillion economy within a decade
- Uraan Pakistan initiative targets exports, digital transformation, and sustainable development
- GDP has crossed $400 billion, signalling recovery, though higher growth is needed
- Job creation and policy continuity are seen as critical to sustaining momentum
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is advancing an ambitious economic agenda aimed at transforming the country into a trillion-dollar economy by 2035, supported by structural reforms, investment initiatives, and long-term policy planning.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal stated that the government has laid the groundwork for sustained expansion. It is taking the route through improvements in tax administration, governance, and digital systems designed to enhance transparency and productivity across sectors.
At the core of this strategy is the Uraan Pakistan programme, a multi-year framework focused on boosting exports, expanding the digital economy, and promoting environmentally sustainable growth.
Officials believe stronger integration into global markets and greater reliance on technology-driven industries can help unlock higher economic output.
Pakistan recently crossed the $400 billion GDP threshold, a milestone viewed by policymakers as evidence of gradual recovery after a period of economic stress.
Economists, however, caution that the trillion-dollar target demands consistently high growth rates over many years, far above the country’s historical average.
International financial institutions have also emphasised the urgency of creating millions of jobs to absorb Pakistan’s young and growing workforce.
Employment growth is expected to boost domestic consumption, enhance productivity, and support industrial expansion, all vital elements of long-term economic transformation.
Analysts say policy consistency will remain a decisive factor. Stable regulations, investor-friendly frameworks, and uninterrupted reform efforts are considered necessary to maintain business confidence and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
Officials maintain that with disciplined execution and strategic planning extending to 2035, Pakistan has the potential to reposition itself as a major emerging economy in the region.
