*KARACHI – August 17, 2025*
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives *Prof.Ahsan Iqbal* has said that international institutions are now acknowledgingPakistan’s economic turnaround, a major shift from the severe crisis thecountry faced just two years ago.
Speaking at a ceremony titled *“Marka-e-Haq and 78 Years of IndependenceDay Celebrations – Uraan Pakistan”* held at the Federation of PakistanChambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the minister emphasized theimportance of tax reforms, export-led growth, and foreign direct investmentas the *three pillars of sustainable economic stability*.
“We have to move forward to an export-led economy,” he told the businesscommunity, urging industrialists and traders to stand shoulder to shoulderwith the government despite ongoing challenges.
Calling Karachi the “*heart of industry and economy*,” Iqbal praisedFPCCI’s role in representing the business community, whom he described asthe “economic drivers” of Pakistan. He stressed that private sectorparticipation is crucial for achieving macroeconomic stability.
Highlighting the government’s *Uraan Pakistan* vision, the minister saidthat exports would play a decisive role in securing long-term prosperity.He explained that Pakistan had attempted economic takeoff three times inthe past but failed, adding:
“This time it will be Pakistan’s fourth fly (Uraan). The success of thisinitiative depends on learning lessons from the past.”
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Iqbal proposed declaring an *“export emergency”* to achieve a $100 billionexport target, focusing on eight priority sectors, including hospitality,IT, mining, manpower, the blue economy, and the creative industry. Hecalled upon FPCCI to establish eight working groups in collaboration withthe government to kickstart this plan immediately.
State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony *Kheal DasKohistani* also addressed the event. He lauded the difficult decisionstaken by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for economic development andstressed the role of the business community in shaping Pakistan’s future.
“Pakistan is in a good position in terms of economy, and our shared aim isto make the country prosper,” Kohistani added.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of government and private sectorcommitment to work jointly towards stabilizing Pakistan’s economy andachieving sustained growth.