ISLAMABAD, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said here on Friday that peace and political stability are essential prerequisites for sustainable economic growth and long-term national development.

"For Pakistan to develop, we must ensure peace, political stability, and continuity in reforms," Iqbal said while addressing a seminar on public policy in Islamabad.

He said that no country had achieved progress amid political unrest and conflict, adding that the path to sustainable growth lies in consistent, long-term policymaking rather than reactive measures.

Iqbal said the government was working to build a policy environment conducive to economic resilience, innovation and youth empowerment.

"Young people are the future of Pakistan, and investing in their potential is key to national progress," he noted.

Highlighting the government's long-term development vision, "Uraan Pakistan," Iqbal said the initiative aims to transform the country into a modern, knowledge-based economy by 2047, the centenary of Pakistan's independence.

The minister also highlighted the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has brought in over 25 billion U.S. dollars in direct investment so far.

He said international rating agencies had predicted that if Pakistan sustained its development trajectory, it could become one of the world's top 20 economies by 2030. "This was a validation of our Vision 2010 and Vision 2025," he said.

Iqbal called for the formulation of an export-led policy framework and underscored that sustained development is closely linked to continuity in governance and reform agendas.

He stressed that the Pakistani nation possesses immense talent, commitment and intellect, adding that the real challenge lies in translating these strengths into measurable national outcomes.

The minister urged policymakers to move beyond short-term thinking and uncertainty, calling for concrete actions to place Pakistan firmly on the path to prosperity. Enditem

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