Islamabad: A crucial meeting on the implementation and strategic deployment of the 5Es Framework was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. The session gathered key personnel from the Ministry of Planning, including the Project Director and Department Chiefs, to assess the progress and outline further steps for the framework which aims to bolster Pakistan’s economic growth.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Iqbal reviewed the development of the 5Es Framework, which was initially crafted in 2022 during the Turnaround Conference with insights from over a thousand experts across various fields. He underscored the framework’s comprehensive approach, ranging from immediate to long-term strategies, aimed at positioning Pakistan among the leading global economies through sustainable and export-driven growth.

The minister highlighted several critical areas for national development, including enhancing peace and stability, ensuring policy continuity, and implementing necessary reforms. He pointed out the significant challenges posed by climate change to water and food security, and the imperative to improve planning for resource utilization to support the growing population. Additionally, Minister Iqbal stressed the importance of increasing women’s participation in development sectors to at least 50% and addressing the needs of Pakistan’s youth, which make up 60% of the population, by securing their future through robust economic policies.

He also noted that regional and social inequalities have stymied economic progress, emphasizing that peace, political stability, and policy continuity are vital for fostering economic development. Furthermore, the minister voiced concerns over the increasing economic burdens on the middle class and the rising threats of poverty and inequality, which jeopardize societal stability.