Ahsan Iqbal to Launch National Task Force on *Productivity, Quality, and Innovation (PQI) in August

Islamabad – In a bold move to revitalize Pakistan’s economic landscape, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, has announced the establishment of a National Task Force dedicated to enhancing productivity, quality, and innovation across all sectors of the economy. This initiative, set to be launched in August 2024—coinciding with the month of Pakistan’s independence—signals a significant step toward addressing the nation’s critical economic challenges, fostering a culture of innovation, and unlocking new avenues for growth.

The Task Force, which initially gained widespread support from global and domestic stakeholders during its conceptual phase in the previous tenure, faced setbacks due to political disruptions in 2018. However, with renewed determination and a clear vision, Minister Iqbal is committed to steering this initiative back on track, fostering an environment where innovation and productivity advancements can drive substantial economic progress.

Key Focus Areas of the Task Force:

Promoting Innovation Across Sectors:
Central to the Task Force’s mandate is the promotion of innovation as a driving force behind economic growth. By encouraging creative solutions, new technologies, and cutting-edge practices across industries, the Task Force aims to position Pakistan as a leader in innovation. This includes fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, supporting research and development (R&D) initiatives, and facilitating collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Combating Rural Poverty:
The Task Force aims to leverage innovation and productivity improvements in the agriculture sector to significantly reduce rural poverty. By enhancing productivity, the initiative seeks to increase yields, lower costs, and improve essential services such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, directly benefiting rural communities. Minister Iqbal emphasized that elevating rural living standards is central to his government’s agenda.

Transforming Higher Education:
Universities will be encouraged to prioritize research and innovation that enhances productivity across various sectors. Minister Iqbal highlighted the crucial role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in addressing local challenges and driving national progress. With increased funding allocated to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), universities will be pivotal in transforming Pakistan into a knowledge-driven economy, contributing to advancements in fields such as veterinary sciences, engineering, agriculture, and medicine.

Empowering SMEs:
The Task Force will support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by building their capacity for innovation and fostering their growth, drawing lessons from successful models in China and other Asian countries. By helping SMEs develop robust value chains and adopt innovative practices, this initiative aims to propel them into larger market segments, enhancing their contribution to the national economy.

Setting Productivity and Innovation Benchmarks:
Developing and implementing benchmarks for productivity and innovation will be a core function of the Task Force. These benchmarks will serve as critical tools to identify areas requiring attention and drive sector-specific improvements, ensuring that innovation becomes a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic strategy.

Establishing National Quality and Innovation Standards:
The Task Force will focus on developing national quality and innovation standards to bolster Pakistan’s global reputation and achieve economies of scale. These standards will enhance the national brand, foster international competitiveness, and position Pakistan as a leader in quality and innovation on the global stage.

Recognizing Productivity and Innovation Champions:
An annual awards program will be established to recognize and reward entities that exemplify outstanding productivity, quality, and innovation. This initiative aims to foster a competitive spirit and drive excellence across sectors, highlighting the importance of innovation in achieving economic success.

Minister Iqbal stated, “As Pakistan approaches its 77th year of independence, it is imperative that we break free from historical constraints and position ourselves for a future of sustained growth, innovation, and prosperity. The launch of this Task Force under the Uraan Pakistan Campaign is a crucial step in this journey. We are committed to overcoming the challenges of political instability and economic constraints to create a thriving, innovative, and productive Pakistan.”

The National Task Force will begin its work this August, marking a new chapter in Pakistan’s quest for economic revitalization and national progress. As part of the broader Uraan Pakistan Campaign, this initiative represents a bold commitment to securing a brighter, more prosperous, and innovative future for the nation