- With consensus and strategy, five-year plan can unlock jobs, exports, and investment into Pakistan
Pakistan has a long history of economic planning, dating back to 1955’s five-year plans. While some brought moderate progress, others failed due to instability and political disruption. Amid ongoing challenges, Uraan Pakistan—the 13th national economic initiative—was launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on December 31, 2024. This five-year plan aims to transform the economy through strategic reforms, but its success depends on more than policy—it requires national consensus and political stability.
The Uraan Pakistan framework is built upon the “Five Es” of economic development. However, an often-overlooked yet vital component of economic sustainability is political stability, which is only possible through broad national consensus. Without collective agreement among political, institutional, and social stakeholders, economic policies risk being disrupted by political transitions, policy reversals, and a lack of investor confidence. Ensuring economic growth demands that Pakistan’s leadership, across all divides, commits to long-term policy continuity and governance free from political upheaval.
Pakistan’s economic progress has been hindered by deep-rooted political, ethnic, and religious divisions. The lack of national unity has historically led to policy inconsistencies, deterring both local and foreign investment. To ensure Uraan Pakistan’s success, a Charter of Democracy and Economy must be established, where all major political forces commit to a stable and consistent economic roadmap. This would ensure that developmental projects are not abandoned with every change in government. Beyond political agreement, bridging socio-economic disparities between regions is crucial. Addressing long-standing grievances in Balochistan, interior Sindh, southern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir is essential for fostering national cohesion and balanced economic growth. Without equitable development, political polarization will continue to threaten economic initiatives.
Foreign investment is crucial for Pakistan’s economic revival, yet it remains fragile due to political uncertainty and policy unpredictability. Sectors such as exports, digital transformation, energy, and agriculture require long-term commitments and clear regulatory frameworks. By fostering political stability through national consensus, Pakistan can work towards ambitious targets, including achieving 6% GDP growth, creating one million jobs annually, expanding exports to $60 billion annually by 2029, and attracting $10 billion in private investment by 2028. A bipartisan approach to economic policy, reinforced by institutional integrity, will ensure that investors — both domestic and international — trust Pakistan’s market.
Weak governance, corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiency have historically hindered Pakistan’s economic progress. Strengthening institutions such as the judiciary, Election Commission, and economic regulatory bodies is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability. A strong institutional framework will guarantee that economic policies are implemented effectively, free from political interference. Moreover, the devolution of power must be managed responsibly, ensuring provincial autonomy while maintaining federal economic coherence. A stable central-provincial coordination mechanism is needed to implement economic reforms smoothly across the country.
Democratic stability and economic prosperity are interlinked with political literacy. Educating citizens on governance, economic policies, and their role in democracy fosters an informed electorate that can demand accountability and stability. Uraan Pakistan’s success requires national participation — ensuring that economic development is not just a government initiative but a people-driven movement.
Uraan Pakistan represents a critical turning point in Pakistan’s economic history. However, its success hinges not just on policy effectiveness but on achieving national consensus and political stability. Without a shared commitment to economic continuity, even the most well-crafted plans risk failure. The nation must move beyond political rivalries and ethnic divisions to embrace a unified economic vision. By committing to a Charter of Democracy and Economy, strengthening institutions, ensuring equitable regional development, and fostering investor confidence, Pakistan can unlock the possibility of sustainable economic growth. If executed with transparency and collective commitment, Uraan Pakistan could mark a new era of economic resilience, stability, and progress.