Karachi, January 6, 2025: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated Pakistan’s first locally-manufactured ventilator on Monday, a milestone that signifies the country’s progress toward technological self-reliance. Developed by a private company, the ventilator was lauded by the minister as a symbol of national innovation and a key achievement under the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ initiative.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Ahsan Iqbal praised the company’s pioneering efforts, declaring it the first “champion” of Uraan Pakistan. He urged the need for more innovators, emphasizing, “We require an army of such individuals—skilled, hardworking, ambitious, and intelligent people who can drive Pakistan forward.”
The minister highlighted the negative narrative that has overshadowed Pakistan’s image internationally, despite its reputation for talent and hard work. He called for collective efforts to reshape this perception and restore the country’s standing on the global stage. “As we approach 2047—our 100th year of independence—we must define a forward-looking narrative for Pakistan. Our neighbor will have a clear story of progress; we must ask ourselves what ours will be,” he said.
Ahsan Iqbal underscored the importance of technological advancement in the rapidly evolving global economy, noting that the world is transitioning into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with discussions already beginning on a potential Fifth Industrial Revolution. He emphasized that Pakistan must strategically position itself as a leader in innovation and economic agility to thrive in this new era.
He acknowledged the challenges Pakistan faces, including a smaller population compared to regional competitors, but stressed that leveraging resources efficiently could enable the country to outpace others in technological progress over the next two decades.
Encouraging the private sector to lead the country’s economic future, the minister assured them of the government’s full support for initiatives that enhance exports. “You are the drivers of Pakistan’s future,” he said. “The government will stand behind every private sector effort that helps bring in exports and foreign currency.”
He reiterated that Pakistan’s path to economic success lies in fostering innovation and boosting export-led growth. He concluded by urging the younger generation to embrace technology and entrepreneurship, which he said are critical for Pakistan’s competitiveness on the global stage.
