Ahsan Iqbal Sets Ambitious $1 Trillion Economy Target for Pakistan

As the country pushes ahead with its digital transformation agenda, federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has remarked Pakistan's IT and ICT exports reached a record $4.6 billion in the last fiscal year.

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• 1 in 5 Pakistanis Name Rising Power and Gas Rates as Biggest Challenge.
• Iqbal remarked Pakistan's geographic position produced it an significant link between China, Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.
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• Iqbal remarked cooperation between China and Pakistan under CPEC 2.0 was focused on five areas: development, employment, innovation, green energy and regional connectivity.
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Iqbal remarked the digital economy was part of a broader economic transformation agenda. Under the Uraan Pakistan programme, the administration is focusing on exports, production, innovation, investment and human resources to achieve the goal of a $1 trillion economy by 2035.

While data usage had climbed by around 25 percent over the past two years, addressing the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, Iqbal remarked the number of digital users in Pakistan had exceeded 150 million.

He remarked fiber connections had climbed from around 3 million to more than 5 million. The administration seeks to expand wired broadband access to 10 million households, he continued.

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Iqbal remarked the gender gap in mobile internet apply had narrowed from 35 percent to 8 percent. Women's mobile internet usage has rose from 33 percent to 45 percent, he stated, stressing that digital development cannot be economically effective or socially fair if women are left behind.

He remarked Pakistan's next digital economy target was not limited to exporting services. The country additionally seeks to promote technology products, digital platforms and technology-based industries.

As an significant part of the country's economic expansion and digital transformation intends, he described E Pakistan, one of the five key pillars of Uraan Pakistan. Pakistan is expanding its capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and other emerging technologies, he remarked.

Seven artificial intelligence centers are additionally being established to connect research, skills development, startups and industry, according to the minister.

Iqbal remarked cooperation between China and Pakistan under CPEC 2.0 was focused on five areas: development, employment, innovation, green energy and regional connectivity. He continued that Pakistan had proposed practical measures in four priority areas under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Pakistan has proposed establishing a digital trade corridor under the SCO to create cross-border trade faster, easier and less expensive, he stated. The proposal includes connecting customs systems, logistics networks, electronic trade documentation, digital signatures and cross-border payment systems throughout the region.

Iqbal remarked Pakistan's geographic position produced it an significant link between China, Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. "We must turn regional connectivity into regional competitiveness, " he remarked.

He remarked digital technology could improve efficiency and development in agriculture, industry, mining, energy and other sectors. CPEC 2.0 and special economic zones could support connect Chinese technology and Pakistani business capabilities with regional markets, he went on.

Pakistan has additionally proposed a joint framework for artificial intelligence infrastructure and governance under the SCO, Iqbal stated. He stressed the importance of joint research in artificial intelligence, multilingual models, university partnerships and human resource development.

For context, the minister remarked the benefits of digital development should not be limited to major cities and substantial firms. Digital technology should create opportunities for women, young individuals, rural communities, small farmers and small and medium-sized businesses, he went on.

Iqbal remarked the success of the forum should be measured not only by announcements but additionally by the trade, investment, technology partnerships and employment opportunities generated by those commitments.

"We must become creators of the digital future, not just users of technology, " he remarked, adding that Pakistan was ready to work with China and other SCO member states to promote shared development and prosperity. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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