The Pakistani government is reaching out to successful Pakistani business leaders living in the United States. Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal met with a group of twenty Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, technologists, and financiers. Many of them are former executives from top Fortune 500 companies. He invited them to bring their money, contacts, and skills to Pakistan.
Minister Iqbal said Pakistan is at an important time in its history. After tough reforms under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the country has achieved better economic stability. Inflation is down, interest rates have eased, and Pakistan is now seen as a success story of economic recovery. He encouraged overseas Pakistanis to invest in their homeland.
The minister highlighted the URAAN-Pakistan plan. It aims to grow the economy to $1 trillion by 2035 and $3 trillion by 2047. The plan focuses on five key areas: Exports, E-Pakistan (digital economy), Environment and Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity and Empowerment. Priority sectors include information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, mining, blue economy, and creative industries.
Many in the group already invest and do charity work in Pakistan. The meeting aimed to turn these efforts into stronger partnerships. Iqbal also talked about building a knowledge-based economy through links with top US universities like University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and University of Chicago. He stressed work on artificial intelligence and technology growth.