Thought Leaders
TeachersResearchersPublic policy experts
Leaders who lead the country's development vision through ideas and intellectual inputs, and light up the road to prosperity.
Celebrating 75 years of Pakistan
Recognising the leaders behind Pakistan's development
Pakistan turned 75 last year. It has come a long way from where it started in 1947. Rarely has a country experienced so much turbulence in its history as Pakistan did, yet the embedded resilience of the nation has made its way through thick and thin, and the country has stayed relevant in the global landscape. There is a lot about Pakistan that needs improvement, but the positives hint at an assuring future.
At 75, it is time to recognise our high achievers and the potential of Pakistan: the Thought Leaders, Policy Leaders, Business Leaders and Society Leaders whose selfless devotion drives the country forward. To acknowledge them, the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives will confer Development Leadership Awards.
Award tracks
High Achievers
Over 40 years of age, who have contributed significantly to the socioeconomic development of Pakistan.
View High AchieversEmerging Young Leaders
Under 40 years of age, who will lead our way to prosperity.
View Emerging Young LeadersInstitutional
Institutions that have dedicated their resources to Pakistan's development.
View InstitutionalFour kinds of leadership
Policy Leaders
Frontline service providersAdministratorsDevelopment sector professionals
Leaders who transform policy into action and make a difference, such as administrators (including civil officers, lawyers and financial sector experts), frontline providers (from education, health, agriculture and IT) and development sector professionals (such as NGOs).
Business Leaders
Business ownersInvestorsStartupsSocial enterprises
Leaders who invest their energies and resources in the country and contribute to economic development.
Society Leaders
PhilanthropistsSocial activistsJournalists covering development
Leaders who practise and advocate social responsibility and guide society in the right direction.
Who can be nominated
High Achievers
- For individuals who have made significant contributions to the socioeconomic development of Pakistan in their respective fields, such as education, health, poverty alleviation, women's empowerment or environmental protection.
- Individuals must be over 35 years of age with vast experience in the field of development, a proven track record of success, and work that has had a significant impact on the lives of the Pakistani people.
Emerging Young Leaders
- For individuals under the age of 35 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential in development, such as working on innovative projects to address social or economic challenges, or advocating for policy changes that benefit the Pakistani people.
- Individuals must be below 35 years of age, with a clear vision for the future of Pakistan and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the Pakistani people.
Overseas Pakistanis
- For individuals of Pakistani origin living and working outside Pakistan, including those working in development in their host countries or using their skills and resources to support development projects in Pakistan.
- Individuals must be living overseas and working in the field of development, with a strong commitment to Pakistan.
Award process
Seven steps in three stages take the awards from the call for nominations to the final selection.
- Step 1 Newspaper advertisement calling for nominations Call for nominations
- Step 2 Social media campaigns Call for nominations
- Step 3 Nominations by members of the Planning Commission Call for nominations
- Step 4 Shortlisting of candidates Screening
- Step 5 Verification of candidates Screening
- Step 6 Evaluation Selection
- Step 7 Final selection Selection