Islamabad: In a call to action for overseas Pakistanis, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has urged the diaspora to prioritize national interests over political differences to aid in Pakistan’s economic transformation. Speaking at a ceremony held for the Pakistani community during his visit to Northern California, the Minister emphasized the role of economic self-reliance, driven by exports, innovation, and technology, in ensuring the country’s future prosperity.

According to Radio Pakistan, Professor Iqbal highlighted the Government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative, which aims to develop a knowledge-based, technology-driven, and sustainable economy. The initiative sets an ambitious goal of transforming Pakistan into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035, with exports exceeding US$100 billion. He called on overseas Pakistanis to act as ambassadors for the country’s exports by fostering investment, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and international business connections.

The Minister noted the significance of the United States as Pakistan’s largest export market and the vital role of the Pakistani-American community in enhancing bilateral trade and investment. He emphasized that the E-Pakistan initiative and the advancement in Artificial Intelligence present historic opportunities for the country. To prepare for the next technological leap, he announced the establishment of National Centres of Excellence in various fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Robotics.

Additionally, Professor Iqbal discussed the ongoing US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative, which seeks to enhance human capital development through collaborations with top international universities. During his Northern California visit, he engaged with Silicon Valley professionals in AI and technology discussions and attended a dinner with the Pakistani-American community, who expressed their support for Pakistan’s economic goals and the URAAN Pakistan mission.