The Government of Pakistan, through the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, has officially inaugurated the “Uraan Overseas Summer Internship Scholars Program,” a landmark initiative endorsed by Prime Minister’s vision under the leadership of Federal Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal. This initiative, part of the flagship Youth Empowerment Project, is the first in Pakistan’s history to formally engage overseas Pakistani students enrolled in prestigious international universities, offering them positions within government institutions to directly contribute towards national development.
Under this six-week long internship initiative, selected students will gain in-depth practical exposure by working closely with sectors such as economic planning, public policy formulation and strategic project development. Participants will particularly focus on key areas such as exports, energy, infrastructure, environmental protection, and the digital economy—core components encapsulated in the “5Es Framework” of Uraan Pakistan.
The program has been designed to achieve two primary objectives: empowering young professionals by equipping them with leadership skills, policy insights and an understanding of institutional dynamics; and effectively integrating talented Pakistanis studying overseas into the national reform and development processes.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Federal Minister for Planning Professor Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the economic progress achieved under the current administration’s strategic measures. He said the country’s economy, which was at the brink of collapse in 2022, has since stabilized significantly. Inflation has remarkably dropped from 38 percent to merely 4 percent, while the stock market surged from 40,000 points to exceed the 130,000-point mark, with international investor confidence returning strongly.
The minister encouraged students to serve as ambassadors of “Youth ki Uraan” (Youth’s Flight), guiding Pakistan toward technological advancement, sustainability, increased exports, and equitable economic prosperity. He emphasized that this initiative is not merely an internship but represents a significant national investment in talent, innovation, and global leadership capabilities.
A total of 31 students studying in leading global universities across more than 45 countries participated in the inaugural event held in Islamabad, where they were assigned to various policy-oriented positions within the Planning Commission. Through this engagement, participants will gain the opportunity to actively contribute to national planning at the policy level, further enriching their knowledge and expertise.
Ultimately, the “Uraan Overseas Summer Internship Scholars Program” embodies the government’s commitment to harnessing Pakistani talent situated internationally and fostering their active role in steering Pakistan toward sustainable economic growth and national development.
