'Pakistan to be among top ten global economies by 2047'

Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, reaffirmed his commitment on Tuesday to place Pakistan on a national growth trajectory, aiming to make it one of the world's top ten economies by 2047.

"We will once again turn the wheel of the economy and give the youth a Pakistan that will be among the top ten economies of the world by 2047," he said, promising a future where the country's youth would inherit a thriving and prosperous state.

The minister expressed this resolve while addressing the Istehkam-e-Pakistan seminar organised by the Islamic International University Islamabad (IIUI) in connection with the 78th Independence Day.

He highlighted the crucial role of peace, political stability, consistent policies, and continuous reforms in achieving national development and prosperity, noting that no country has ever progressed without adhering to these principles.

Iqbal stated that it is a universal reality that no policy in any country bears fruit before a timeframe of ten years and that no one would invest in a country lacking political stability.

He pointed out that nothing weakens a country economically more than political instability, long marches, sit-ins, and unrest.

He recalled that the PML-N government had presented Vision 2010 in 1998 and Vision 2025 in 2013, but both efforts were disrupted by the 'so-called change' in 2018.

The minister reminded the audience that Pakistan was established after great sacrifices, with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioning it as a developed nation despite its meagre resources.

Addressing the youth, the minister cited the example of javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who set a new record at the Paris Olympics and won a gold medal for Pakistan despite limited resources.

"There is a lesson for you: never let your destiny fade away due to lack of resources. By working hard with a true purpose, all avenues will begin to open," he remarked.