The launch of the URAAN Pakistan framework began a debate in economic and political circles. While some critics discard it as yet another policy intervention attempt with limited implementation prospects, a deeper look reveals a precisely planned framework that combines Pakistan's economic objectives with the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0).

URAAN Pakistan’s 5 E’s framework is based on five key pillars: exports, equity and empowerment, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, and energy and infrastructure. These areas have been carefully chosen to promote long-term economic growth while also ensuring social inclusion, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability. Critics argue that the strategy is vague, but a closer look indicates strategic alignment with global trends and national interests.

URAAN Pakistan is a well-thought-out strategy for putting Pakistan on the path to long-term growth. Many individuals fail to understand that the 5 Es are not stand-alone goals, but rather components of a well-integrated strategy that is closely aligned with the five corridors of CPEC 2.0. President Xi Jinping's strategy for CPEC's second phase includes the Growth Corridor, Livelihood Enhancing Corridor, Innovation Corridor, Green Corridor, and Opening-Up Corridor, all of which match Pakistan's long-term development ambitions.

One of the most unfair criticisms of URAAN Pakistan is that, with Pakistan's current trade deficit, its focus on exports is unworkable. But URAAN Pakistan emphasises export-led development by raising industrial competitiveness and trade volume.

Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows that Pakistan’s exports grew to $31.8 billion in FY2022-23, but with greater policy support and improved logistics, the country has the potential to surpass $50 billion in exports by 2030. Comparisons can be drawn with Vietnam, which increased its exports from $96 billion in 2011........

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