Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal Sets $1 Trillion Economy Goal, Highlights Digital Growth
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced a $1 trillion GDP target by 2035, citing record IT exports of $4.6 bn and rapid expansion of broadband and AI initiatives.
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How This Affects the Exchange
Sector Effect
Positive · Buy bias
Technology sector sees strong growth prospects from government digital agenda, creating a buy bias for related tickers.
Sectors & Direction
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Desk call: Buy bias · Positively affected
- TechnologyPositively affected
- TelecomPositively affected
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Sectors: Technology, Telecom — Positive · Buy bias. Technology sector sees strong growth prospects from government digital agenda, creating a buy bias for related tickers.
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Open on ProPakistani## Record IT Exports and Digital Agenda
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal told the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi that Pakistan’s IT and ICT exports reached a historic $4.6 billion in the last fiscal year. He positioned the digital economy as a core pillar of the broader "Uraan Pakistan" transformation plan, which aims to lift the country’s GDP to $1 trillion by 2035.
## Expanding Connectivity and User Base
Iqbal highlighted that digital users in Pakistan have now surpassed 150 million, with data consumption up about 25 % over the past two years. Fiber‑optic connections grew from roughly 3 million to more than 5 million, and the government plans to extend wired broadband to 10 million households.
## Closing the Gender Gap
The minister noted a sharp reduction in the gender gap for mobile internet: the gap fell from 35 % to 8 %, while women’s mobile internet usage rose from 33 % to 45 %.
## Broadening the Digital Economy
Beyond services, Pakistan intends to promote technology products, digital platforms and tech‑based industries. The "E‑Pakistan" pillar will focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and related emerging technologies. Seven AI centres are being set up to link research, skill development, startups and industry.
## CPEC 2.0 and Regional Digital Trade
Iqbal said China‑Pakistan cooperation under CPEC 2.0 will target development, employment, innovation, green energy and connectivity. Pakistan also proposed a digital trade corridor within the SCO to streamline customs, logistics, electronic documentation, digital signatures and cross‑border payments.
## Outlook
The minister stressed that digital progress must reach rural areas, SMEs, women and youth, and that success will be measured by concrete trade, investment and employment outcomes rather than announcements alone.
## Market Implications
The push for AI centres, expanded broadband and tech‑focused exports is likely to benefit listed technology and telecom firms, as well as companies positioned to supply digital infrastructure and services.