Pakistan to embed social inclusion, accountability in national development agenda

October 22, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is set to make social inclusion and institutional accountability core components of its national development strategy to promote transparency, citizen participation, and sustainable governance.

The plan was outlined by Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal during the plenary session of the Aawaz-II Voice and Accountability Programme , as reported by APP.

The minister emphasized that inclusive governance and institutional accountability are essential foundations of a transparent and people-centered development model.

He said the government is committed to ensuring that citizens’ voices play a central role in policymaking, empowering communities across the country.

He praised the Aawaz-II programme for strengthening the representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, noting that such initiatives help make development more participatory and equitable.

Highlighting the government’s reform vision, Ahsan Iqbal said the Uraan Pakistan initiative, anchored in the 5Es Framework, serves as a national roadmap for transformation.

The framework focuses on boosting exports, advancing Digital Pakistan, promoting green energy, ensuring environmental sustainability, and fostering social equity.

Emphasizing the role of youth in national progress, he said Young Peace and Development Corps units have been established in 131 campuses across 42 cities to engage young people in community and development activities.

Under the Empowered Youth Internship Programme, he added, more than 60,000 paid internships are being offered, including 10,000 positions for youth from Balochistan, while the Young Development Fellows Programme and Champions of Reforms Network are nurturing future policy and governance leaders.

The minister also revealed that the Planning Ministry is working to introduce Urdu as an optional language in the Central Superior Services (CSS) examinations to promote linguistic inclusivity.

He concluded that the government plans to integrate Aawaz-II models into institutional systems to ensure their sustainability and long-term impact, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance.

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