NEW YORK: Stressing the need to engage the youth of Pakistan in productive and progressive activities, a Pakistani official said that the planning commission has proposed a new growth strategy focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship and market economy.
"A huge consideration is given to provide skill and employment to youth," Dr. Erfa Iqbal, who coordinates the Prime Minister's development programme for Southern Punjab and is currently visiting the United States as an Eisenhower fellow, told students at Columbia University in New York.
Speaking on socioeconomic development as an effective counterterrorism strategy, Dr. Iqbal said the demographics of Pakistan show that in next 40 years a large majority of population will be between the ages of 15-64 years.
The Government of Pakistan, she said, realizes the need to address this challenge of youth demographic profile. "To make this youth a strength rather than a burden, a well conceived strategic plan is required.
The Government of Pakistan is keen on providing a hassle-free business environment to domestic and international businesses," she added. Her interaction with the students was facilitated by Dr Hassan Abbas, Quaid-e-Azam Chair Professor at Columbia University's South Asia Institute and Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University.
Dr Iqbal, who hold the rank of additional Principal Staff Officer to the Prime Minister, conveyed the resolve of premier Yusuf Raza Gilani to make Pakistan an investor friendly country.
To meet this objective, she said the prime minister has placed the Board of Investment under his secretariat to sort out any unforeseen hitch expeditiously before or after business operations.
He has also directed other concerned ministries including Commerce, Overseas and Industries & Production to facilitate investors in every possible manner. The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North Amerca (APPNA) New York Chapter, hosted a dinner for Dr Iqbal, a press release said.
Dr Asif Rehman, representing APPNA, welcomed the efforts of Pakistan Government for economic revival. He supported the idea of enhancing business linkages between Pakistan and USA. Other participants also showed great interest for long-term commitment to Pakistan's health care, relief and recovery assistance projects.
Businessmen representing various sectors also showed up and discussed areas of mutual interest. During her visit Dr Iqbal also visited the offices of World Bank, USAID, UNDP , Woodrow Wilson Centre, and a number of US senators, to exchange views regarding economic revival in Pakistan with special focus on increasing people to people contact.
She urged the international community to help Pakistan emerge in the global village as a peaceful country with a vibrant economy.
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