Pakistan’s 13th five-year plan targets 6% GDP growth by 2029

Pakistan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, prepared by the Planning Commission, outlines an ambitious roadmap to elevate GDP growth to 6.0% by the fiscal year 2029, marking a significant leap from the current fiscal year’s projected growth of 2.7%.

The plan forecasts a steady upward trajectory, with growth targets set at 4.2% for FY26, 5.1% for FY27, and 5.7% for FY28, according to a document received from Planning Commission by Nukta.

Central to the plan is a robust industrial expansion, aiming to increase growth from 4.8% to 6.9% by FY29. The agriculture sector, currently projected at a modest 0.6% growth this fiscal year, is targeted to rebound to 5.1% by FY29. Meanwhile, the services sector is expected to grow at 6.2% by the end of the plan period.

The plan prioritizes key areas aligned with URAAN Pakistan, including manpower development, creative industries, minerals, and services. Investment, economic growth, and job creation are identified as critical drivers, alongside a focus on clean energy, hydropower, and a multi-modal transport network to enhance infrastructure.

Efforts to improve efficiency, affordability, and IT infrastructure are also emphasized, alongside initiatives to foster a startup ecosystem and digital literacy.

Social development remains a cornerstone, with commitments to health, education, water and sanitation, and population welfare. The plan also addresses poverty reduction, women’s development, social welfare, and youth skills development.

Tourism and culture are highlighted as potential growth sectors, while the Green Revolution 2.0 and water conservation initiatives underscore environmental sustainability.

The 4RF strategy — Resilient, Recovery, Reform, and Reconstruction — is integral to the plan, alongside national development outlays totaling billions of rupees across federal and provincial budgets. Peace, political stability, policy continuity, and governance reforms are cited as critical enablers for achieving these targets.

"Our challenges offer unprecedented opportunities for transformational progress," the plan asserts, reflecting optimism despite economic headwinds. As Pakistan navigates its path toward sustained growth, the 13th Five-Year Plan represents a comprehensive blueprint for economic revitalization and social advancement.