The University of Management and Technology (UMT) successfully hosted the 10th Budget Summit for the fiscal year 2025–26, under the theme “Towards a Sustainable Economic Future.” Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The summit brought together leading policymakers and economists, including Dr Salman Shah, Chief Advisor UMT Lt Gen (R) Javed Hasan, UMT Rector Dr Asif Raza, Director General UMT Amhad Abdullah, former FBR Chairman Mr Shabbar Zaidi and FPCCI Vice President Mr Zaki Aijaz. A large number of students, academics and professionals from various sectors also attended the event.
Throughout the summit, in-depth discussions were held on key topics such as the national budget, fiscal challenges, tax reforms, financial stability and industrial policy. Speakers commended UMT for its initiative in promoting economic awareness among youth.
Rector UMT Dr Asif Raza welcomed the distinguished guests, emphasizing that national development is impossible without quality higher education. He highlighted the importance of educating young minds on vital economic issues and expressed concern over the alarming number of 25 million out-of-school children in Pakistan. He urged the government to allocate a dedicated budget for promoting higher education and implementing modern educational reforms.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary appreciated UMT for organizing a timely and impactful summit. He described the 2025–26 budget as a decisive moment for Pakistan’s economy. He said that that peace, political stability and policy continuity are the cornerstones of national progress. He expressed concern over Pakistan lagging behind countries like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam despite having a $32 billion economy. He encouraged the youth to use social media constructively to shape their own path to success. Highlighting the “Fourth URAAN PAKISTAN Program,” the minister stated that, if successful, it could make Pakistan the most powerful country in the region by 2045.
Ahsan Iqbal also stressed the importance of increasing literacy rates, strengthening academia-industry linkages and positively guiding the youth for sustainable national development.
Panel discussions led by experts such as Shabbar Zaidi and Dr Salman Shah delved into Pakistan’s fiscal challenges, budgetary strategies and policy options in light of the upcoming national budget. Key areas discussed included tax reform, financial resilience, social protection, industrial policy, and environmental sustainability, all aimed at making the budget an effective tool for inclusive and lasting development.
At the conclusion of the event, Rector UMT Dr Asif Raza and Lt Gen (R) Javed Hasan presented souvenirs to Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal and other distinguished guests.