Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal Addresses Bureaucrats in Islamabad

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal urged the new generation of civil servants to lead Pakistan towards becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2035. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 40th Senior Management Course at the National Institute of Public Administration in Islamabad on Friday, the minister emphasised that administrative officials form a permanent pillar of the state.

He noted that the permanence of civil servants remains true regardless of changes in political governments. A total of 46 officers from different service groups completed the 16-week training program, which culminated in the distribution of certificates by the minister at the end of the event.

The gathering brought together mid-career professionals tasked with handling major administrative responsibilities across various government departments. The National Institute of Public Administration plays a central role in preparing these officers for senior management roles within the public sector.

The Role of Civil Servants in Economic Transformation

During his address, the minister said civil servants must prepare themselves for changing global conditions, particularly the growing impact of artificial intelligence and technological developments. He cited Nokia and BlackBerry as examples, stating that organisations failing to adapt to changing circumstances risk becoming irrelevant.

He urged Pakistan to turn global changes into opportunities for economic and institutional development. Officers were told that their responsibilities extend far beyond routine file management and administrative duties.

Iqbal called for a governance system based on integrity, accountability and service to citizens instead of traditional bureaucratic practices. He encouraged the newly trained officers to contribute actively to institutional reforms and public service delivery.

Requirements for Sustainable Economic Growth

The minister outlined the foundational elements required for long-term national development. He stated that sustainable economic growth requires peace and security, political stability, at least 10 years of policy continuity and consistent structural reforms.

Looking back at recent economic history, he recalled that Pakistan was making significant economic progress under Vision 2025 in 2017. However, he added that political developments in 2018 disrupted that trajectory and contributed to the economic difficulties that followed.

He mentioned that the country was now moving from economic crisis towards stability. The government aims to secure this stability through long-term planning and institutional discipline.

Details of the URAAN Pakistan Framework

The government's URAAN Pakistan framework is designed to build a $1 trillion economy by 2035. The minister warned that continuing with existing policies and practices could limit the economy to around $600 billion by that year, highlighting the need for structural shifts.

The URAAN Pakistan framework rests on five main pillars:

  • Exports
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Equity
  • E-Pakistan

Focusing on exports, Iqbal said increasing annual exports beyond $100 billion by 2035 was essential for strengthening the country's economic independence. The framework intends to reshape national productivity and connect local industries more effectively with global markets.

Human Resources and Social Sector Development

Beyond macroeconomic targets, the planning minister stressed the need to improve education, healthcare and other social sectors. He stated that the quality of human resources would play a major role in determining Pakistan's future.

Investing in people is viewed as a prerequisite for technological adaptation and administrative efficiency. Without capable human capital, the implementation of complex economic strategies remains difficult.

The 46 officers who completed the 16-week training program were reminded that public sector institutions must upgrade their internal capacities. Better service delivery in health and education directly supports broader national goals.