Islamabad witnessed an important institutional exchange on 16 September 2025, when officers from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Banking Services Corporation (BSC) visited the Planning Commission of Pakistan as part of the ongoing Management and Mid-Career Development Program (MMDP). The exposure visit was designed to give participants a deeper understanding of how Pakistan’s economic planning functions and the way policies are shaped to align fiscal realities with development ambitions.
The delegation was welcomed by senior officials of the Planning Commission, including Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Chief Economist, and Mr. Muhammad Ali Talpur, Joint Chief Economist. Both experts shared comprehensive briefings covering the structure, mandate, and ongoing policy priorities of the Commission. The discussions provided a practical view of how the Commission integrates macroeconomic strategies with fiscal discipline while setting growth targets for the national economy.
One of the central themes of the session was the formulation and significance of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). Participants were briefed on how the PSDP serves as a key tool for financing development initiatives, from infrastructure projects to social sector programs, and how its execution is tied to available fiscal space. This briefing allowed officers from SBP and BSC to appreciate the critical linkages between financial institutions and national development strategies.
Another highlight of the visit was the presentation of the upcoming five-year revival strategy known as Uraan Pakistan. Officials explained that this plan is envisioned as a roadmap for accelerating economic recovery, enhancing productivity, and ensuring sustainable growth. The strategy focuses on balancing short-term stability with long-term reforms that are vital for creating jobs, encouraging investment, and improving governance.
In addition, the Planning Commission team outlined the government’s 5E Plan, which revolves around key components essential for economic modernization. The participants gained insights into how these elements are structured to address core challenges such as employment creation, energy security, export promotion, equity in resource allocation, and environmental sustainability. The plan also highlights the importance of innovation and technology integration in economic policy-making.
The session not only broadened the officers’ understanding of Pakistan’s economic planning mechanisms but also gave them an appreciation for how fiscal targets are set and monitored. By linking financial policies with real development outcomes, the visit underscored the importance of inter-institutional collaboration between the country’s financial regulators and its economic planners.
Officials noted that such exposure visits under the MMDP are vital for equipping mid-career professionals with strategic insights that strengthen their leadership capacity. By engaging directly with policy architects, the participants gained perspectives that will enable them to make informed contributions to decision-making within their respective organizations.
The visit to the Planning Commission thus marked an important step in building bridges between the financial and economic governance structures of Pakistan, ensuring that mid-career officers are better prepared to contribute to policy execution and economic revival efforts in the years ahead.
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