As Pakistan marked another 14 August — the day we claimed our place on the map of nations — we were once again called to define our future. For decades, we have survived storms: the trauma of partition, economic turbulence, global crises, and natural disasters.

But survival is no longer enough. Skeptics often dismiss bold visions as empty rhetoric, pointing to unfulfilled plans like Vision 2010 and Vision 2025. But here lies the critical question: if we failed to fully realize those dreams, should we stop dreaming of a better future altogether?

I vividly remember June 28, 2022, in Islamabad, when the “Turnaround Pakistan Conference” was held. It was not just another policy event — it was a gathering of minds and hearts determined to reimagine the country’s future. Politicians from across the aisle, entrepreneurs, development partners, academics, and students came together under one roof.

There was an unspoken acknowledgment that while our challenges are daunting, they are not insurmountable — provided we choose the right path. That day, through wide-ranging consultations, five priority pillars emerged: Exports, E-Pakistan & Empowerment, Energy, Environment, and Equity.

Exports are the lifeline of any resilient economy. Pakistan’s stagnant export-to-GDP ratio, hovering below 10%, has left us dependent on borrowing and remittances. Compare this with Vietnam, which doubled its export ratio in less than two decades and transformed........

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