Islamabad: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has reiterated the government’s dedication to harnessing Pakistan’s demographic potential for sustainable prosperity, inclusive development, and long-term economic stability. Speaking at the strategic dialogue and the launch of the 50th edition of Development Advocate Pakistan, titled “A Nation at a Turning Point,” in Islamabad, Iqbal highlighted the importance of transforming the young population into a driving force for economic growth.

According to Radio Pakistan, Iqbal underscored the need for investments in education, technical training, digital skills, and job creation to capitalize on the demographic dividend. He emphasized that Pakistan’s youth, if provided with quality education, modern skills, healthcare, and employment opportunities, could become the nation’s greatest asset.

Iqbal outlined the government’s development agenda, focusing on the URAAN Pakistan initiative and the 5Es National Development Framework. These plans aim to address structural challenges through reforms in exports, digital transformation, climate resilience, energy, infrastructure, equity, and empowerment. He announced a significant initiative to train one million young people as “Ambassadors of Social Change” under the URAAN Pakistan program to raise awareness on education, health, population management, sanitation, and environmental protection.

The minister also highlighted the necessity of investing in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and research to build a competitive future economy. He called for coordinated efforts to tackle challenges related to population growth, climate change, water and food security, and public health.