ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan Vision 2025 lays down foundation to put Pakistan on a fast track of development with the ultimate goal of transforming it to become one of top 20 economies by 2030.
The participants of a three-day Pakistan Development Summit and Expo in Islamabad on Thursday sat together in an effort to forge a path to achieve goals set in Vision 2025, that will make Pakistan one of the leading economies of the world.
The summit attended by top economists, academicians, politicians, diplomats and youth discussed the hardships faced by Pakistan in the past and the opportunities that were before it to attain higher economic growth and prosperity.
The speakers spoke about the 70 years of achievements of Pakistan and the challenges that lie ahead.
The chief guests of the inauguration ceremony were Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Sartaj Aziz and Secretary Planning Shoaib Siddique.
Ahsan Iqbal pointed out the challenges Pakistan had faced in the past. “Pakistan’s establishment was a miracle in itself as it came into being without any noteworthy industry and infrastructure.”
“Pakistan’s biggest problem was political instability and shaky democracy because of which it lagged behind other countries like South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia. South Korea copied economic plans of Pakistan,” he added.
“Every country became developed with political stability and steady democratic process but unfortunately, whenever we embarked on the path of sustained democracy, the process was derailed.”
He also pointed out the challenges faced by Pakistanis until 2013 when the televisions screens were filled with pictures of crowds protesting electricity shortages and terrorists were on the rampage.
Now all the issues are being tackled by PML-N government with its reforms policies, he added.
He asked all institutions to play their role in achieving objectives set forth by Vision 2025.
Sartaj Aziz said the summit was an opportunity to review the 70 years performance of Pakistan and deliberate how Pakistan could be among top 25 economies.
“Pakistan had battled the menace of terrorism and braved other natural disasters in the past. However challenges lie ahead as Pakistan was considered the 7th most vulnerable country to climate change.”
“We all need to work together as a nation to fulfill our dream of making Pakistan prosperous.”
Guest speakers talked about strategies to make Pakistan economically strong and stable. One of the highlights of the event was a documentary that showcased milestones that Pakistan achieved in 70 years.
The summit will continue for two more days.
Source: APP
