ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
Federal Minister Planning, Development & Reform Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan is on the path of becoming mini superpower by 2025 in information technology after government initiated ambitious technology plans. We have started cluster-based initiative in agriculture, mining and technology. He stated while chairing a meeting on “Technology as Industry”.
Ahsan Iqbal said, “Government is committed to put the country on path of technology because it is one of strong drivers of growth. The growth can’t be achieved through crawling in exports by relying on commodities. We need leapfrogging in exports to achieve the growth, which would be possible only with the advancement in technology. And value addition.
The Minister pointed out that Pakistan is at critical juncture of its history and now ready to takeoff. This takeoff would be made possible with the technological advancement in various sectors of economy. He felt that Pakistan possesses significant technological infrastructure, which provides a platform for takeoff.
About the economic dividends country offers for international companies to invest in Pakistan, minister said that leading IT companies have reported that offshore operational cost and productivity of information technology operations in Lahore are better than Bangalore in India.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister Planning, Development & Reform Ahsan Iqbal
called upon youth of country to contribute in national development along with their personal and professional pursuits. Present government recognizes the potential of present youth bulge for national development and it has engaged youth of the country in the development process through various initiatives. Ministry of Planning, Development and reform initiated Youth Development Fellows (YDF) initiative in this spirit to make youth partner in the development process.
He expressed these views while speaking at internship certificates distribution ceremony of Virtual Summer Internship Program 2015 at Planning Commission here today. Minister pointed out that Pakistan has growing youth population and now it depends upon us whether we benefit from this great demographic dividend or we let this youth run in frustration and chaotic path. Youth has lot of energy. If it was not channelized properly it can be detrimental to stability and harmony of society.
Minister said,” Pakistan has transformed rapidly in the last two years. A country characterized internationally as most dangerous country in the world in 2013 has transformed into a country being seen as “next success story” globally in last two years. This development should be seen with positivity and optimism because no nation can move forward without self-belief and positive thinking in its national character. He urged the youth of the country to inculcate optimism and hope in their thinking by seeing the glass “half full” rather than beating the bush of “half empty”.
Ahsan Iqbal advised the youth to support the forces of hope and optimism and work for generating the positive vibes domestically to match them with fast improving image of the country internationally. He also called upon youth to create a culture of tolerance in the society where different opinions can co-exist.
About Vision-2025 the minister said this roadmap for national development is aimed at pushing the country in top 25 economies of the world in next ten years. But this is not the destination. We have the more ambitious task of taking the country in top ten economies of the world when country would be celebrating the hundred years of its independence in 2047. This journey will be led by youth of today. The success stories around the globe tell that one generation is needed for big success. For Pakistan, the present youth generation passing out from universities can be instrumental to realize the dream of making country top ten economies by 2047.
PR No.136