Ahsan Iqbal Sets Ambitious $1 Trillion Economy Target for Pakistan

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal announced Pakistan's IT and ICT exports hit a record $4.6 billion in the most recent fiscal year as the nation continues its digital transformation. Speaking at the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, Iqbal outlined the government's ambitious goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2035.

This objective forms part of the broader economic transformation agenda under the Uraan Pakistan program, which emphasizes exports, production, innovation, investment, and human resources. Iqbal highlighted that Pakistan now has over 150 million digital users, with data usage increasing by approximately 25 percent over the past two years.

The infrastructure supporting this growth has improved, with fiber connections expanding from around 3 million to more than 5 million, and the government aims to extend wired broadband access to an additional 10 million households. Iqbal noted a narrowing gender gap in mobile internet use, with women's usage rising from 33 percent to 45 percent, underscoring that digital development must be inclusive and equitable.

He emphasized Pakistan's commitment to expanding beyond digital services, including technology products, digital platforms, and technology-based industries. The Uraan Pakistan initiative also includes significant investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging technologies.

The minister announced the construction of seven artificial intelligence centers to foster connections between research, skills development, startups, and industry. Cooperation between China and Pakistan under CPEC 2.0 is centered on five key areas: development, employment, innovation, green energy, and regional connectivity. Pakistan has proposed measures in four priority areas under the SCO, including a digital trade corridor to streamline cross-border trade, customs systems, logistics networks, electronic trade documentation, digital signatures, and cross-border payment systems.

Iqbal stressed that Pakistan's strategic location between China, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East makes it a crucial link for regional connectivity and competitiveness. He outlined how digital technology could enhance efficiency and development across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, mining, and energy.

Pakistan has also proposed a joint framework for artificial intelligence infrastructure and governance under the SCO, focusing on joint research, multilingual models, university partnerships, and human resource development. Iqbal stressed that digital development should benefit all segments of society, not just urban centers and large corporations, and called for inclusive growth.

He concluded by urging Pakistan to be a creator of the digital future, not just a user, and expressed readiness to collaborate with China and other SCO member states to foster shared development and prosperity.