“The transformation plan is based upon several factors which need to be addressed and achieved if Pakistan wants to develop and progress in future,” the minister said while addressing a ceremony of the 47th Specialised Training Programme of Pakistan Administration Service in Lahore.

In a briefing held in 2022, Iqbal outlined a four-point strategy proposed by the previous administration aimed at revitalising the economy.

The plan focuses on boosting exports, attracting foreign investment, enhancing the tax-to-GDP ratio, and addressing the challenges posed by loss-making state-owned enterprises.

In April, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for a comprehensive five-year strategy to double the country’s exports.

He highlighted the significance of a collaborative approach, directing the Ministry of Trade to develop the export strategy in consultation with successful entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders.

Iqbal stressed the need for redirecting the country’s resources toward fostering an export-driven economy and advancing sectors such as e-commerce, automation, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence, which he believes will significantly reshape the nation’s economic landscape.

He added that Pakistan must integrate its human resources with such emerging technologies to thrive.

Iqbal called on civil servants to fully leverage their skills and capabilities to effectively tackle public issues, underscoring that civil service is a significant responsibility, not merely a job.