HOUSTON, (USA): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, addressed students, faculty members, researchers, and members of the Pakistani community at Rice University, said that Pakistan has entered a new phase of opportunity after achieving three major milestones: economic recovery, national resilience, and diplomatic renewal.
He said the successful execution of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos demonstrated Pakistan’s strategic clarity, national unity, and institutional coordination, reinforcing confidence in the country’s stability as an essential foundation for investment and sustainable economic development.
He added that the operation exposed India’s aggression before the international community while underscoring Pakistan’s responsible and measured approach to regional peace and security.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic gains, the Minister said the country has re-emerged as a credible and responsible global actor that prioritizes dialogue over confrontation and cooperation over conflict.
Through balanced engagement with major powers and constructive regional diplomacy, Pakistan has strengthened its international standing and created new opportunities for economic partnerships.
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Ahsan Iqbal said these achievements have created a rare strategic opportunity for Pakistan, but lasting progress requires sustained reforms and long-term national transformation. Referring to the development experiences of Singapore, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Gulf states, he observed that sustainable economic progress depends on political stability, policy continuity, and investment in human capital, innovation, strong institutions, meritocracy and productivity.
Describing URAAN Pakistan as a national mission rather than merely an economic programme, the Minister said it aims to transform Pakistan from a consumption-driven economy to a productivity-led and innovation-based economy; from low-value exports to high-value industries; from dependence on external assistance to investment competitiveness; and from short-term management to long-term strategic planning.
Reaffirming the government’s vision of making Pakistan a USD1 trillion economy by 2035, he said the country’s future will be driven by exports, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and a highly skilled workforce, while calling upon overseas Pakistanis, academia, and young professionals to become partners in Pakistan’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive development.
Later, the Minister joined the Pakistani American community at the Jinnah Library in Houston to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Addressing the gathering, he said Pakistan has declared 2026 as the “Year of Quaid-e-Azam” to mark the historic 150th birth anniversary of the nation’s founding fathers. He said the occasion provides an opportunity not only to honour their extraordinary leadership but also to keep their legacy alive by passing their vision and values on to future generations. He emphasized that the principles of integrity, unity, discipline, self-reliance, constitutionalism, and nation-building continue to serve as Pakistan’s guiding light.
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