Acting chairman cites youth workforce, SMEs and Gwadar as pillars of economic growth
ISLAMABAD:
Acting Chairman of the Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar on Saturday underscored the need to promote investment in Pakistan, saying the country offers vast opportunities across multiple sectors due to its rich natural resources, mineral wealth and large young workforce.
Addressing the 4th Edition of the Explore & Invest in Pakistan International Awards 2026, he described Pakistan as a safe, attractive and emerging market for both local and foreign investors and said the country’s youth were its most valuable asset and a guarantee of a prosperous future.
The event was organised by Brain Designer, led by its Young Leader and CEO Muhammad Rauf Raja, to promote investment opportunities, economic diplomacy, entrepreneurship and international business collaboration in Pakistan. Nasar said Pakistan holds immense investment potential in industry, agriculture, information technology, tourism, energy and small and medium enterprises, and termed the business community and investors the real strength of the country.
He said overseas Pakistanis were true ambassadors and the backbone of the national economy, adding that the confidence and investment of expatriate Pakistanis were a guarantee of Pakistan’s prosperous future. He asserted that hostile elements could not hinder the country’s journey towards investment and development and said the youth of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa could play a vital role in national development.
Nasar said the government was taking serious steps to remove hurdles to investment and trade, while women were also playing an increasingly important role in entrepreneurship and economic growth. Referring to regional connectivity, he said Gwadar would prove to be a game changer not only for Pakistan but for the entire region and assured that the senate would play every possible role in promoting investment, trade and public-private partnerships.
The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Tariq Mehmood Jadoon, Vice President FPCCI; Kiran Afzal from the World Bank Group; the Deputy Ambassadors of Indonesia and Malaysia and others.
On the occasion, Muhammad Rauf Raja said the organisation’s mission was to connect Pakistan with the global business community, promote entrepreneurship and create sustainable economic growth. He said the Explore & Invest in Pakistan initiative aims to empower youth, SMEs and overseas Pakistanis to actively participate in national development.
Tariq Mehmood Jadoon said FPCCI fully supports initiatives that promote trade, investment and entrepreneurship, adding that the platform provides valuable networking opportunities and contributes significantly to strengthening Pakistan’s business ecosystem. Barrister Abid Hussain said recognising and empowering young entrepreneurs is the cornerstone of a strong and sustainable economy, noting that such platforms inspire innovation and leadership among the youth.
