Experts call for budget to align with Uraan plan, long-term reforms

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ISLAMABAD: The next federal budget, 2025-26, will have to be closely aligned with the long-term goals described in the five-year plan of Uran Pakistan, which ensures comprehensive and equal economic growth, experts emphasized in a seminar on Monday. He also emphasized that political stability is essential for permanent economic growth, investors’ confidence and effective structural reform.

In the context of the ongoing tension between Pakistan and India, the speakers also demanded to tackle the challenges related to the budget – especially in issues related to water management and Indus Waters Agreement.

These views were shared during a seminar titled ‘Federal Budget 2025-26: organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) of Islamabad, the shadow of strategic priorities under Uran Pakistan and the shadow of Pakistan-India tension’.

The panel of speakers included Dr. Waqar Masood Khan, former Federal Secretary for Finance. Sakab Sherani, former Principal Economic Advisor to the Government of Pakistan. Zafarul Hasan Almas, a former Joint Chief of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Actions; And Khalid Rehman, Chairman of the IPS.

He noted that Pakistan has been going through its 14th IMF program since 1988. While everyone has offered temporary economic stability, the main challenge lies in translating these benefits into sustainable, long -term growth. He warned that without comprehensive structural reforms, the country was at risk of trapped in the repeated bailout cycle.

Speakers argued that the annual budgeting disrupts an excessive strategy plan. An integrated roadmap requires five to ten years of vision for development. Given the current geographical political climate-especially the increase in tensions with India-there is concern that the upcoming budget can prefer immediate concerns over the cost of long-term strategy.

Although the recent improvement in economic indicators, such as inflation, a stable balance of payments, a strong rupee and stock market recession, acknowledged, experts warned that these benefits were a result of temporary or ad hoc measures rather than a massive structural policy changes. He emphasized the need for institutional reforms, especially in areas such as pension systems.

Panelists agreed that instead of economic stability, rapid development, the main purpose of the government should be in the short term. However, he maintained that even in the obstacles of the IMF’s ongoing program, 4-5 % growth rate is achieved and desired. The increase in exports through targeted privileges and more business -friendly regulatory framework was identified as an important step towards this purpose.

The Uran Pakistan project was described as an intelligent strategic blueprint, but experts noted that it was yet to be implemented or reflected in the original policy decisions. He said that the coming budget offers an important opportunity to put the vision of the project into practice.

Urana will be key to increasing the GDP ratio, strengthening the IT sector, promoting environmental stability and climate flexibility and supporting green energy transfer.

In his closing remarks, Khalid Rehman said that Pakistan’s challenges are not only economic but also deeply rooted in the lack of political economy and policy continuity. He emphasized that consistency is essential in other governments to build a stable and reliable business environment. Although the recent increase in economic indicators is commendable, he said, these short -term benefits will have to benefit from long -term development that meets the wider population needs. He also highlighted the important role of the private social sector in the country’s socio -economic development.