The nation of over 200 million is the real driving force of the country
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]akistan’s GDP growth rate expected to grow at 5 percent reassuring a healthy trend if it is compared to the nightmare of the economic turmoil, which had begun some 9 years ago. Today Pakistan’s economy is ranked 24th in the world while having a huge market of over 200 million young population and this agile youth if used intelligently would be a game changer in all the socio-economic and politics segments of the country.
Actually the real driving force of economic growth is the partnership between Pakistan and China ensuring an unprecedented foreign investment worth of $57 billion, which is bound to pull the foreign investment in a series of infrastructure development projects coming up on the ground. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is destined to develop a network of quality roads, railroads and energy infrastructure, including ports and dry docks, across the country. So far over 43 projects identified under the $51 billion CPEC framework, however, a major chunk of the investment is directed towards energy projects right from Hub in Balochistan, Thar coal power projects, development of Keti Bandar in Sindh besides Gwadar port, which would provide regional trade activity between Pakistan and the Central Asian states, besides providing linkages with China and Russia. This is the scenario, which is a reality now and seems to be a dream only a few years back.
Realizing the importance of the young talents in the country, the ICON Foundation acknowledged the outstanding contribution of the young talents in the society by organizing ICON National Awards ceremony to mark the historic occasion of Pakistan Day in a befitting manner.
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Speaking on the occasion S. M. Muneer, Chief Executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) expressed his confidence in the strength of the nation on the back of emerging talents, which are second to none in the world. The economic potential of Pakistan, which he said can be translated when the enormous resources were led to transform by the young leaders of Pakistan being produced by leading educational institutions across the country. S. M. Muneer was speaking as the chief guest at the ICON AWARDS initiated by ICON foundation to mark the historic event of Pakistan Day in a benefiting manner, paid rich tributes to Uzma Sabir, Chief Executive Officer of ICON Foundation, APR and Communication Company for organization the 2nd Awards giving ceremony to the outstanding Pakistanis who served the country with their remarkable achievements in socio-economic, and political fronts of Pakistan.
With smooth and speedy development of infrastructure the government is focusing to embark the economy with the support of the young nation to be an economic icon in the region. And of course this growth would bring happiness and prosperity to the people of this country..
Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig while addressing the gathering said that after successful holding of the finale of Pakistan Super League at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, yet another international wrestling event would be held in Karachi, which would again be an international attraction for the sports lovers and certainly will send a positive message about Pakistan and its people across the world.
Uzma Sabir, CEO ICON Foundation and the organizer of the ICON International Awards in her address of welcome said that the purpose of giving away these national awards is to promote people who have done something for the good of the country and to promote young talents to put their energy and skill for the development of Pakistan to make it a respectable nation in the comity of the nations.
She said that despite facing opposition from negative quarters in her way to promote the young talent she is committed to keep on her journey in all odds and evens with a missionary zeal of creating a positive and soft image of Pakistan by highlighting the talented Pakistanis and assured to spread the canvas of the awards in other parts of the country in the years to come.
Conducted by prominent film, TV and stage artist Aslam Sheikh, prominent speakers among others who addressed the event were including Senator Nehal Hashmi of PML, Bakhtiar Khan, CEO Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company. Ministry of Industries and Production officials, prominent business leader Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig and Rehmatullah Memon, the Media Advisor PSQCA.
The recipients of ICON Nation Awards were including, First Lady Pilot Capt. Tarana, renowned educationist and poet Fatima Hasan, renowned Film and TV Artists Ayub Khoso and Mohib Mirza, legendary singer Mohammad Ifrahim for his outstanding national songs, film artist Mehvish Hayat, Mirza Iktiar Baig, Rozina Jalal, TV producer Ali Raza, Altaf Shaikh Writer, renowned Naat Khawan Amjid Sabri’s award was received by his son Mujaddad Amjad and Afzal Sabri, Farzana Mirza beautician, Sapna Baloch, and industrialist Shehzad.