Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has urged young economists to move beyond traditional bureaucratic practices and play an active role in shaping Pakistan’s future through innovation, stability, and effective policymaking.

Addressing a ceremony at Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad today, he said the Ministry of Planning and Development is not merely a bureaucratic institution but the development brain and think tank of the government, responsible for mapping the country’s future and guiding national progress.

Congratulating the newly trained economists on completing their orientation programme, the Minister said they are joining a mission of nation-building rather than simply taking up government jobs.

He stressed that economic planning must be aligned with political realities, saying that even strong economic policies fail without political and institutional support.

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the growing impact of technological innovation and artificial intelligence on economies and societies, saying that Pakistan must integrate modern trends into its economic framework.

He also emphasized the need for stability, intellectual freedom, and fresh ideas to ensure sustainable development.

The Minister expressed hope that the young economists would contribute effectively toward solving national challenges and advancing Pakistan’s development goals.