Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, announced a significant initiative aimed at mobilizing one million Pakistani youth to lead community awareness campaigns. As part of the URAAN Pakistan initiative, these young “Ambassadors of Social Change” will focus on education, health, population management, sanitation, and environmental protection. This effort is a component of the government’s broader strategy to leverage Pakistan’s youthful population for sustainable and inclusive growth.

According to Press Information Department, during the Strategic Dialogue and Launch of Development Advocate Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal underscored the importance of policy continuity, investment in human capital, and evidence-based planning. He noted that Pakistan’s youth, comprising nearly 67 percent of the population, could be the country’s most valuable asset if provided with quality education and employment opportunities. However, he warned that without these investments, the demographic advantage could turn into a liability.

Highlighting the lack of policy continuity, the Minister pointed out that consistent implementation over 10 to 15 years is essential for major national initiatives to yield results. He also emphasized the need for credible data-driven policymaking, citing current demographic trends that project Pakistan’s population to reach between 372 and 390 million by 2050.

The URAAN Pakistan initiative, along with the Ministry’s 5Es National Development Framework, is designed to shift development priorities towards human capital investment. This includes promoting youth entrepreneurship, digital and technical skills, and women’s economic empowerment. Additionally, efforts are being made to make Islamabad and surrounding areas Hepatitis-free, with similar initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Ahsan Iqbal called for coordinated efforts to address national priorities such as population growth, climate change, and public health challenges. He emphasized the critical role of early childhood development and urged attention to the country’s literacy rate and malnutrition issues. He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transforming Pakistan’s demographic potential into long-term prosperity and stability.