PM urges overseas scholars to help shape Pakistan’s future through innovation, research

• Premier Shehbaz calls youth driving force behind national progress and global recognition

• Meets URAAN Overseas Pakistan Summer Scholars Program participants, highlights reforms, FBR gains and export-led economic transformation

• Credits Armed Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir for May 2025 victory

• Hails Islamabad MoU as landmark diplomatic achievement for global peace

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called upon young overseas Pakistanis to channel their world-class education, research and international exposure into Pakistan’s development, urging them to become active partners in the country’s economic transformation, innovation and long-term prosperity.

The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with participants of the URAAN Overseas Pakistan Summer Scholars Program, who are currently undertaking a six-week internship under the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to conduct research on key challenges facing Pakistan and contribute policy recommendations.

A delegation of students from foreign universities, working as interns under the "Uraan Overseas Pakistan Summer Scholars Programme" called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Islamabad, 17 July 2026. pic.twitter.com/ssSbiPIHhx

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 17, 2026

Welcoming Pakistani students studying at leading universities across the world, Prime Minister Shehbaz encouraged them to avail internship opportunities in Pakistan and remain closely connected with their homeland, emphasizing that the country’s youth are its greatest asset and are earning recognition for Pakistan through their academic and professional excellence around the globe.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar and Ali Pervez Malik, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for National Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, as well as senior officers of the relevant institutions.

اسلام آباد: 17 جولائی 2026۔

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے "اُڑان اوورسیز پاکستان سمر اسکالرز پروگرام" کے اسکالرز کی اسلام آباد میں ملاقات ہوئی. اسکالرز وزارتِ منصوبہ بندی و ترقیات کے تحت پاکستان کو درپیش مسائل پر تحقیق کے لیے چھ ہفتوں کی انٹرن شپ کر رہے ہیں. وزیرِ اعظم نے دنیا… pic.twitter.com/mkg8wMIDXm

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 17, 2026

During an interactive session, the prime minister briefed the scholars on the government’s wide-ranging reform agenda and responded to their questions on economic, governance and development issues.

Recalling the country’s recent economic challenges, he said Pakistan had achieved economic stability through emergency reforms at a time when it was on the verge of default.

“The comprehensive reforms include digitization of the FBR and increasing revenue, ease of doing business, increasing productivity, development of the agricultural sector, empowerment of youth, promotion of renewable energy and sustainable economic development reforms,” he said.

Highlighting the impact of the reform measures, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected more than Rs800 billion in additional revenue during the last fiscal year as a result of effective enforcement measures. He said the government's reform agenda was focused on laying the foundation of a strong, self-sufficient and export-oriented economy capable of delivering sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

The prime minister also paid tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir for his leadership and steadfast support of the nation, stating that Pakistan successfully defeated India during the May 2025 conflict under his leadership.

Referring to Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives, PM Shehbaz said the country had played a significant role in mediating efforts to stop the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, describing it as a landmark chapter in Pakistan’s diplomatic history.

He said Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (Islamabad MoU), calling it a significant step forward for regional stability and world peace.

During the meeting, the students shared their views and suggestions on improving various sectors, while the prime minister appreciated their ideas and encouraged them to continue contributing towards Pakistan’s progress through research, innovation and public service.