At the Yijang Institute of Technology, Federal Minister for Planning Professor Ahsan Iqbal addressed Pakistani students and recent graduates and urged them to see themselves as architects of the nation’s future rather than merely degree holders. He said, “I do not see youth merely as students; I see them as builders of Pakistan’s tomorrow, custodians of dreams and champions of progress.”
Presenting the vision of Udaan Pakistan, the minister outlined a five-pronged 5Es framework focused on increasing exports, building an e-Pakistan, ensuring environmental and food security, strengthening energy and infrastructure, and promoting equality, ethics and empowerment. He emphasized that the 5Es are designed to channel young talent into measurable economic and social outcomes.
The minister appealed directly to young people: “Pakistan does not want only your degrees; it awaits your ideas, your leadership and the systems you will create.” He urged students and recent graduates to embrace leadership in innovation, entrepreneurship and public service to translate academic learning into practical solutions for local and national challenges.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal encouraged the audience to learn from China’s discipline and long-term planning and to return home ready to introduce institutional models and governance structures that can help transform Pakistan into a knowledge- and skills-based economy. He asked the youth to become torchbearers of change by adapting proven approaches and tailoring them to Pakistan’s needs.
Linking the speech to concrete priorities, the minister stressed that Udaan Pakistan will rely on youth-led initiatives to boost exports, accelerate digital governance, secure food and environmental resilience, and strengthen energy and infrastructure while fostering equality and ethical empowerment across sectors.
