Economic Planning
Pakistan, being the fifth most populous country with two-thirds of its population under 30, presents a key opportunity to leverage the youth bulge through upskilling. Failure to do so can lead to significant economic challenges. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and skill enhancement for career advancement in a fast-evolving professional landscape, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) has conducted several comprehensive training initiatives in 2024. These initiatives aim to equip Jamati members with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel, fostering both professional and personal growth.
In line with the global celebration of World Youth Skills Day, these efforts underscore the critical role of skill development in empowering young people to navigate and succeed in today's dynamic world. World Youth Skills Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to invest in youth skills development, and AKEPB's initiatives are a testament to Pakistan's commitment to this cause.
Mawlana Hazar Imam has envisioned a commitment to community growth and knowledge sharing. In accordance, an event was organized as the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board, Ismaili Council for Hunza and Gilgit collaborated to host entrepreneurs from the Ismaili Council for Ishkoman Puniyal. This unique initiative, designed to foster a deeper understanding of border trade opportunities, came to life against the picturesque backdrop of the Sost Dry Port.
“Last year, I received only four boxes of honey bees, which allowed me to produce and sell honey worth Rs. 40,000. This income helped me clear my debts and manage daily expenses,” shared Shabi Noor Khan, a resident of Gulaghmuli Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan's Ghizer District and a beneficiary of Socio-Economic Development Programme (SEDP).
The Jamat is aware that The Council for Pakistan has been issuing periodic economic advisories after assessing the prevailing economic situation of the country. While taking the recent developments into consideration, it is clear that the country is passing through a difficult phase where it is facing low foreign reserves, weakened Pakistani Rupee, low economic growth, high monthly inflation rates, and very high interest rates for bank borrowings.
It's that time of year again - the start of the agricultural season! As the warm, Spring sun begins to shine down on the fields, farmers all across Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral are gearing up for another season of planting, growing and harvesting.
Small-scale farming is a critical source of livelihood for rural communities. Due to limited access to information, resources and technology, many farmers struggle to improve their farming practices and achieve sustainable yields. In recent years, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Pakistan has recognized this challenge and taken a proactive approach to support small-scale farmers to improve their agricultural practices and increase their farming income.
While reopening of businesses following a drop in Covid-19 cases is encouraging, Pakistan’s economic recovery remains slow due to internal and external factors. The following challenges are likely to persist in the near-term:
World-renowned for the succulent cherries of Pakistan, this delicious fruit from Hunza almost missed its yearly market debut. Cherry-picking in Hunza was not the same during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oftentimes, traders would book cherry trees and ensure the picking, packaging and transportation of this delicious fruit to market, compensating tree ‘owners’ accordingly. The shutdowns and lockdowns, due to COVID-19, left the cherry growers in a state of dismay, with no intermediaries to link them to market. The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) stepped in to initiate a programme to impart proper techniques of cherry-picking, packaging and linking the growers directly to the market. By filling the market linkage gap, AKEPB saved the cherry growers’ annual income and the wastage of the fruit.
Sharifullah, a resident of Immit, in Ishkoman Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan believes prosperity lies in saving for future generations. While working as a farmer, Sharifullah barely earned enough to feed his family. “Even if I can save 10 or 20 rupees a day, I will save it. I want my children and their children to have a bright future,” says Sharifullah.
The percentage of elderly people in Pakistan is expected to double to 12 percent by 2050, increasing the number of senior citizens to 40 million. This demographic transition impacts citizens of all ages. Therefore, it is important that senior citizens take the necessary steps to ensure they have a good quality of life financially, even after retirement.
The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Pakistan, in collaboration with Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan (APP), an initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network, held an entrepreneurship development seminar for the Southern, Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions at the Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL) auditorium.
Finding the right job is a challenge for job seekers. To assist people in Pakistan in this important endeavour, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Pakistan (AKEPBP) has initiated an online portal called Mansab.
The Aga Khan Education Board for Pakistan in collaboration with The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Pakistan recently held the “Ra'id Leadership Conference”, a Diamond Jubilee Initiative of the National Council for Pakistan. The conference brought together outstanding young members of the Jamat, providing them with exceptional resources to develop their leadership skills while providing an opportunity for this next generation of leaders to forge connections with their peers from around the country.