‘Policy continuity must for sustainable growth’

Islamabad:Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal said countries like Japan, South Korea, China, India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia achieved remarkable progress through common factors: peace, harmony, political stability, policy continuity, and consistent reforms.

"Pakistan, too, must prioritise political stability and policy continuity to ensure sustainable growth," the minister said during a visit to Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences. Minister Prof Iqbal reflected on the rapid changes shaping the world and noted that humanity was currently witnessing the fastest pace of transformation in history.

"My generation experienced the journey from slates to 5G technology. Today's youth will experience in days the changes we saw over decades," he said. The minister highlighted how paradigms of productivity, living and learning are undergoing fundamental shifts. He stressed the urgent need for young Pakistanis to acquire skills aligned with the demands of the new era or risk being left behind in the global race.

Prof Iqbal asserted that the development of Pakistan must be guided by a comprehensive roadmap informed by the needs of the future. Drawing comparisons between Pakistan’s progress and global advancements, he said while Pakistan has made significant achievements since 1947, it lags behind on the world stage.

He encouraged every Pakistani, especially the youth, to reflect on why the nation has fallen behind and stressed the importance of diagnosing the root causes of national issues to effectively address them. The minister highlighted Pakistan's immense mineral wealth, saying that few countries possess such abundant natural resources.

He said the youth were the most crucial stakeholders in shaping Pakistan’s future. The minister said political differences must never turn into hatred, and that tolerance and unity are essential to Pakistan’s progress. He reaffirmed the federal government's unwavering commitment to the youth of Balochistan, pledging to continue investing in their education and skills to secure a prosperous future for Pakistan.