ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday launched the “URAAN Overseas Summer Internship Scholars Programme” under which 31 high-achieving students enrolled in top international universities will be placed in core divisions of the Planning Commission.
The primary objective of the programme is to provide scholars with real-world, professionally enriching experiences beyond routine administrative tasks. Each intern is assigned projects aligned with their academic and career aspirations, under the guidance of experienced mentors.
This programme, a key component of the Prime Minister’s flagship Baikhityar Nojawan initiative, marks a historic first: overseas Pakistani students participating in a government-led summer internship to actively contribute to national development, said a press release.
The programme also offers leadership exposure through interactions with senior government officials and participation in strategic policy discussions.
The initiative received an overwhelming response, with more than 2,300 applications from over 45 countries. Following a competitive selection process, 31 students from globally ranked institutions were chosen — reflecting not just academic excellence but also the deep trust that overseas Pakistanis place in the current government’s development vision.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Iqbal welcomed the students as future leaders and change agents, stating that today marks not just the beginning of an internship, but the start of a journey — one that connects their roots to their responsibilities, their learning to leadership, and their passion to Pakistan’s progress. He emphasized that these scholars are not merely interns but the torch-bearers of Youth ki URAAN, a movement to unlock the potential of one million young Pakistanis across the world.
The participation of overseas youth in this government programme for the first time reflects growing confidence in Pakistan’s direction. Families living abroad see this initiative as a meaningful opportunity for their children to reconnect with their homeland and contribute in a purposeful way. While speaking at the event, he urged the scholars to serve as a bridge between Pakistan and the global community.
Reflecting on the economic crisis inherited by the coalition government, the minister shared that when they assumed office in April 2022, Pakistan was on the verge of collapse. The Finance Ministry had informed that there were no funds available for the final quarter of the development budget, essentially indicating an internal default. Speculation about the country’s imminent economic default was widespread.
He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for demonstrating strong leadership and political courage to take difficult but essential decisions. As a result of these bold measures, Pakistan’s economy has significantly stabilized within two years. Inflation has fallen from 38 percent to 4 percent, the stock market has surged from an index of 40,000 to over 130,000, and investor confidence has returned.
Pakistan’s global financial ratings have improved, and diplomatic relations with countries like China, Turkey, GCC nations, the European Union, and the United States have been revitalized, he added.
Ahsan Iqbal walked the audience through Pakistan’s development journey, which has long been hindered by political instability, policy discontinuity, and inconsistent economic reforms. He stressed that Pakistan must now build and protect such an environment if it hopes to achieve sustained economic growth.
It was with this vision that the government launched URAAN Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister, the National Economic Revival and Transformation Roadmap, he said adding that this plan aims to provide a solid foundation for long-term growth by capitalizing on Pakistan’s strengths and addressing its structural weaknesses.
At the heart of URAAN Pakistan are five strategic pillars: export-led growth; E-Pakistan, which envisions a digitally transformed economy; energy and infrastructure development; environmental sustainability; and equity, ethics, and empowerment, he added.
The minister highlighted the need to move from $32 billion to $100 billion in exports by embracing an outward-looking, competitive economic strategy. He also underlined the shift towards a techno-economy, where artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies will define future growth.