Ahsan Iqbal calls for tax reforms to support Uraan Pakistan

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called for fundamental tax reforms and rapid digitalization to support the Uraan Pakistan programme. The initiative includes 11 National Economic Missions approved by the National Economic Council, which aim to transform Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035.

Iqbal emphasized that achieving these long-term targets requires moving away from conventional economic methods and a “business-as-usual” approach. He noted that Mission-2, which focuses on tax reforms and resource mobilization, serves as the financial engine for the broader programme. Without improved revenue generation through reliable sources, the government will struggle to fund the other 10 missions.

The minister also expressed concern regarding the decline in the development budget, noting that shrinking funds make it difficult to launch new initiatives or complete ongoing projects. He stressed that the country must transition toward a technology-driven digital economy, operating at “digital speed” to achieve the necessary scale of transformation.