Empowering Women and Youth, Ahsan Iqbal Vision at WECON 2024

At the Women Entrepreneurship Conference “WECON 2024,” Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the transformative era we are living in, marked by incredible advancements in technology and knowledge. “Our generation has made the impossible possible by traveling from plaque to 5G,” Ahsan Iqbal noted, highlighting the rapid evolution that has reshaped the world. Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged that this is an era of boundless innovation and progress, where Pakistan’s young entrepreneurs are not just keeping pace but honing their skills to compete on the global stage. He specifically celebrated the strides being made by young Pakistani women who are confidently moving forward in modern, high-tech fields and excelling at some of the world’s leading universities.

The Rise of Women and Youth in Pakistan

The minister took pride in the notable development in areas once considered underprivileged, using Narowal as an example where student enrollment at the local university has surged significantly. This development represents the potential and talent that exist even in the most overlooked regions of the country. Central to Ahsan Iqbal’s address was the introduction of the “Five-Eyes Framework,” a comprehensive approach designed to tackle Pakistan’s core challenges. This model focuses on five key areas: boosting exports, fostering a digital Pakistan, investing in green energy, prioritizing environmental protection, and ensuring equal opportunities for growth. By addressing these aspects, the government aims to provide a sustainable foundation for progress and create an environment where the youth and women can thrive.

Empowerment and Inclusion: Ahsan Iqbal

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the critical need for empowering Pakistan’s youth and women, stating that “we need to start programs to bring women forward in every field.” This statement aligns with global observations that the most successful countries have achieved progress through the active inclusion of women in all sectors. The minister’s call for empowerment underscores the importance of harnessing the full potential of the population for economic and social development. Reflecting on his personal journey, Ahsan Iqbal shared that despite studying abroad, he remained in Pakistan to contribute to the country’s growth. “If someone has a passion for his country, he will stay here and play his role,” he said, inspiring young entrepreneurs to commit to their homeland and use their talents to spur local progress.

A Nation’s Commitment and Challenges

Iqbal acknowledged that while Pakistan has made significant progress in the past, setbacks such as political instability have hindered continuous development. He pointed out that the country faced economic challenges in 2018 due to abrupt policy shifts, and again in April 2022, but stressed that peace, political stability, and the continuity of policies are essential for sustained growth. Despite these obstacles, Ahsan Iqbal expressed optimism about Pakistan’s future. He mentioned the recent surge in Pakistan’s stock market, crossing the 94,000 index, as a positive indicator of economic resilience and potential. “The world is optimistic about Pakistan’s economy,” he stated, adding that intelligent young people with startups and innovative ideas will illuminate the path forward for the country.

Paving the Path to Development: Ahsan Iqbal

As a final note, Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the need for unwavering commitment to progress, urging policymakers and citizens to work together for political stability and national development. With the right support and empowerment programs, he believes that young entrepreneurs, especially women, will lead Pakistan into a prosperous future.