Ayesha Saba

The Rs17 trillion ‘Uraan Pakistan’ program outlines a strategic vision for economic self-reliance; however, its success will depend on efficient execution, robust accountability, and consistent political commitment. It represents a rare instance of fiscal cohesion in Pakistan’s traditionally fragmented economic governance.

Talking to WealthPK, Shahid Zaman, Research Officer at Macro-Economic Wing of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (MO/PDSI), said the Rs17 trillion allocation was an ambitious move with the potential to shift Pakistan's growth model from consumption-led to productivity-led growth.

“The program is designed to stimulate an inclusive economic growth through synchronized development planning between the centre and provinces. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, including energy, agriculture, human capital development, digital infrastructure, industrial revitalization, and local-level public services,” he said.

“The critical difference this time is the joint ownership of both federal and provincial tiers, which reduces duplication of efforts and enhances policy alignment. If the provincial development schemes are synchronized with national industrial and export strategies, we may finally see results on the ground,” he explained.

“In the education sector, the government has earmarked Rs9 billion for Danish Schools and Rs4.3 billion for the Prime Minister's Skills Program. This focus on human capital is critical for long-term economic resilience. A skilled and healthy population forms the backbone of a self-reliant economy,” he said.

However, the official cautioned that the success of Uraan Pakistan would ultimately depend on transparent implementation, timely disbursement, and effective oversight. Past challenges such as project delays, underutilization of development budgets, and fragmented planning must be proactively addressed.

To achieve the ambitious goal of transforming Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035, Policy Advisor at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Muhammad Zameer emphasized the importance of a strategic focus on five key areas: exports, equity, e-Pakistan (digital transformation), energy, and environment.

He said this roadmap reflects the kind of visionary approach necessary for sustainable national development. Highlighting the scale of the challenge, he stressed that such a target cannot be met through isolated or short-term policies.

Instead, he called for unified and coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors. According to him, Pakistan must adopt a long-term, stable policy framework that encourages investment, fosters innovation, and enhances global competitiveness.

Credit: INP-WealthPk