Houston: Pakistan has embarked on a new phase of opportunity marked by economic recovery, national resilience, and diplomatic renewal, according to Ahsan Iqbal, the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. Speaking at Rice University in Houston, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that these milestones have created a strategic opportunity for the country requiring ongoing reforms for sustained progress.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal outlined that Pakistan’s future growth is contingent upon political stability, policy continuity, investment in human capital, meritocracy, and productivity. He described URAAN Pakistan as a national mission aiming to transform the nation into a productivity-led and innovation-based economy. The initiative focuses on promoting high-value exports, investment competitiveness, technology, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning.

The Minister reiterated the government’s vision of transforming Pakistan into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035 and urged overseas Pakistanis, academia, and young professionals to contribute to the country’s sustainable and inclusive development. During another event at Jinnah Library in Houston, commemorating the 150th birth anniversaries of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, he announced that 2026 will be observed as the “Year of Quaid-e-Azam” to honor the legacy of the nation’s founding fathers.

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the principles of faith, unity, discipline, integrity, constitutionalism, and self-reliance continue to guide Pakistan’s progress. He also noted that Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of ‘Khudi’ inspires the nation to achieve excellence. On this occasion, the Quaid-e-Azam Academy conferred its highest honor, the Jinnah Cap, on Ahsan Iqbal for his leadership and national services.