ISLAMABAD  - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will inaugurate ‘One Thousand Stakeholders Conference’ on 26 October 2013 to initiate a national level broad consultative process for Pakistan Vision 2025.
Addressing a press conference here in the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms, the Federal Minister said, it is high time we formulated a fully integrated national development policy with the consultation of all stakeholders.  He informed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will inaugurate “One Thousand Stakeholders Conference” on 26 October 2013 to initiate a national level broad consultative process for this purpose.  He added that representatives from all political parties, academia, professionals, civil society and workers have been invited to participate in this brainstorming session to give their input on this mega planning document, so that it could be owned by the entire nation.  He explained that similar consultative session would be arranged at provincial levels too, because after the passage of 18th amendment, provinces have to play a major role in the implementation of any development project.
He highlighted that our aim is to make Pakistan fastest-growing economy in Asia by 2025, and by 2047 to make it one of the top ten economies of the world, the volume of our export will increase over $100 billion in next ten years.  He was of the view that all this is possible by having inclusive development strategy in which all sectors of economy participate equally. He said, implementation of a plan is a key to its success.  Therefore, a Delivery Unit is being established in the Planning Commission to monitor the progress of each ministry and sector on monthly basis.  He expressed his resolve to pay full consideration to the provision of equal opportunities of growth to all sector and segments of society in order to avoid social imbalance. He also said, “Restructuring of the Planning Commission has been started to make it a think tank of the country for sound planning in all sectors”. He further explained that merit would be the key in the selection of members of the Planning Commission. He also shed light on the recruitment process for Young Development Fellows Programme, under which talented young professionals would serve the country for one year with the determination to build a strong Pakistan.  He said, “We are not satisfied with the quality of applications for Members positions so far.  There seems to be a brain drain.
He urged upon the top talent and senior professionals having 15-20 years of experience in their relevant fields, working inside and outside the country, to come and serve the country for at least two years. This would be their great contribution in the restructuring of national economy. 
Answering a question he said, security is directly linked to growth of business activities in the country.  Therefore, present government is focusing on improving law and order in the country. Targeted operation in Karachi and evolving a national ant-terrorism strategy derive inspiration from the same desire to boost economic activities in the country.