Pakistan officially launched the innovative “Uraan Overseas Summer Internship Scholars Program,” an initiative aimed at engaging talented overseas Pakistani students in national development. Organised under the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives and spearheaded by Federal Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal, this flagship program seeks to equip youth with practical experience and leadership skills, fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of an empowered young generation.
Marking the first time in Pakistan’s history, overseas Pakistani students studying at top international universities have been integrated directly into government institutions. This initiative is designed to involve remarkable young talents actively and meaningfully into the country’s development process.
The six-week intensive internship offers students firsthand exposure to critical areas including economic planning, public policy formulation, and project management. Participants will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in key sectors such as export strategies, energy, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and digital economy. These sectors are all essential components of Pakistan’s comprehensive “Uraan Pakistan” 5Es strategic framework.
The program is oriented towards achieving two primary objectives: firstly, equipping Pakistani youth with leadership, policy-making, and institutional understanding; secondly, seamlessly connecting talented overseas-educated Pakistani students with the national reform process.
Addressing the opening ceremony held in Islamabad, Federal Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the government’s significant achievements in economic stabilization. He remarked that in the recent past, Pakistan’s economy faced a critical downturn, but thanks to timely government intervention and strategic policies, the economic situation has been stabilized substantially.
He detailed the significant improvements made, noting the remarkable reduction of inflation from 38% to only 4%. Furthermore, he pointed out that the stock market has soared from around 40,000 points to above 130,000, restoring international investors’ confidence in Pakistan’s economy and potential.
Minister Iqbal encouraged participating students to act as ambassadors of “Youth ki Uraan,” driving the country forward on paths of innovation, sustainability, increased exports, and equitable development. He expressed confidence that the trained youth would significantly contribute towards Pakistan’s overall socioeconomic uplift.
The inauguration event attracted 31 scholars representing more than 45 countries. Selected interns have been assigned strategic and policy-level roles in various divisions within the Planning Commission. Emphasizing the program’s significance, Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that it represents more than just a standard internship—it is a direct investment in the nation’s talent, innovation, and global leadership potential.
