PAKISTAN, a nation brimming with potential and powered by a young, diligent population, confronts significant challenges in governance and economic development.
Addressing inequality, security, and infrastructure gaps is vital to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The government’s forward-looking agenda aims to boost productivity, foster innovation, and unlock the industrial potential within its vibrant workforce.
Over the past decade, various national visions—most notably those for 2010 and 2025—have been formulated but often fallen short due to unforeseen political disruptions and socio-economic upheavals.
Learning from these precedents, Pakistan is now redefining its vision with a renewed commitment to sustainable development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government is focused on economic revival through a reform-driven approach, addressing existing challenges with achievable, evidence-based targets.
The Turnaround Pakistan Summit 2022 convened experts, policymakers, and business leaders to chart a practical course for tackling the nation’s pressing economic concerns.
From this dialogue emerged the 5Es Framework—a comprehensive strategy centered on five critical pillars essential for sustainable, non-inflationary growth: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity, Ethics, and Empowerment.
This framework marks a shift from reactive, short-term planning toward strategic, long-term development.
The steady erosion of Pakistan’s economy necessitates swift yet thoughtful action.
As the country stands at a crossroads, it faces two possible futures: continue on its current path to reach a $1 trillion economy by 2047 or adopt the 5Es strategy to accelerate progress and realize this milestone by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8%.
Now integrated into the 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029), the 5Es Framework provides a unified development agenda for all ministries and provinces, embodying the collective vision of the nation.
It promotes political stability, social cohesion, and human capital development—foundational elements of sustained growth.
The government also seeks to enhance citizen participation in governance, fostering greater ownership and transparency.
Citizen-Oriented Reforms (COR) initiatives aim to mobilize skilled professionals from various sectors to support these reforms.
The 5Es plan addresses broader challenges as well, including energy security, climate resilience, and sustainable practices.
It integrates technological advancements and innovative financing tools to drive national transformation across sectors.
Pakistan’s five-year vision outlines the following key objectives: • Achieve 6% GDP CAGR, • Grow exports to USD 60 billion, • Reduce inflation to 6%, • Attract USD 5 billion investment in ICT, • Cut projected greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, • Increase renewable energy share by 10%, • Decrease income poverty by 13%.
These targets represent a robust roadmap to revitalize the economy and build a better future for millions of Pakistanis.
Pakistan’s success in this endeavor hinges on persistent reform, inclusive governance, and effective implementation.
URAAN Pakistan is more than a policy framework—it is a renewed national aspiration for prosperity, resilience, and sustainable growth.
— The writer is an Islamabad-based researcher.
