Ahsan Iqbal emphasizes social inclusion at Aawaz II Programme launch

Ahsan Iqbal emphasizes social inclusion at Aawaz II Programme launch

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, while addressing the inaugural session of the Aawaz II Programme, emphasized that integrating social inclusion and institutional accountability into the national development agenda is essential. He stated that inclusion and transparency form the foundation of sustainable governance, and every citizen and community has a vital role in Pakistan’s development. The Minister said that the government is giving the people’s voice a central place in the policymaking process. He added that the Aawaz II Programme has effectively enhanced the representation of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Highlighting the government’s reform vision, Professor Ahsan Iqbal stated that the “Uraan Pakistan” 5Es Framework is a comprehensive reform roadmap aimed at transforming current challenges into opportunities and turning Pakistan into a strong and resilient economy. He explained that export growth, digital transformation, green energy, environmental sustainability, and social equity are the five key pillars of this framework. He further said that making youth the center of the national reform process is the government’s top priority. For this purpose, Young Peace and Development Corps units have been established in 131 campuses across 42 cities, enabling young fellows, scholars, and interns to gain hands-on experience and contribute to national development. The Minister informed that under the Baikhtiar Nujawan Internship Programme, over 60,000 paid internships are being offered, while 10,000 special internships have been allocated for the youth of Balochistan. He added that the Young Development Fellows Programme is preparing a new generation of policy professionals, while the Champions of Reforms Network is providing expert input for national policymaking. Professor Ahsan Iqbal also said that the Ministry of Planning is taking steps to introduce Urdu as an optional language in the CSS examinations. He assured that the Aawaz II models will be integrated into the government system to ensure sustainability and to promote public participation and social justice at the institutional level.