WEB DESK: Earlier this week, head of Meer Group, Shakeel Ahmad Meer, formally launched Vision Pakistan 2030 alongside cricket legend Shahid Afridi. More than just a business venture, the initiative positions itself as a comprehensive roadmap for Pakistan’s renewal, blending youth empowerment, modern housing and tourism, and entrepreneurship support into a single national framework.
A Roadmap for Renewal
At its heart, Vision Pakistan 2030 seeks to train 10 million young Pakistanis by the end of the decade, harness the potential of tourism and housing, and create a robust ecosystem where entrepreneurs can easily access capital and opportunity. Shakeel Ahmad Meer, already known for his forward-looking leadership, envisions this initiative as a cornerstone for social and economic independence. The inclusion of Afridi brings visibility and symbolic strength, but it is Meer’s credibility and experience that provide the foundation.
Three Pillars of Transformation
The framework rests on three interconnected pillars, each designed to reinforce the other.
1. Youth Empowerment – The Digital Skills Revolution
The first and most urgent focus is building a future-ready workforce. Through a free digital education platform offering training in artificial intelligence and other high-demand skills, Vision Pakistan 2030 plans to enroll 1 million students by the end of 2025, expanding to 10 million by 2030. Complementing online courses, co-working and learning hubs in major cities will provide mentorship and collaboration spaces. For Shakeel Ahmad Meer, education cannot remain abstract; it must directly link to jobs, entrepreneurship, and income generation.
2. Onyx – Housing and Tourism Development
The second pillar, branded Onyx, addresses two long-standing challenges: underdeveloped tourism and housing shortages. Plans include 21 serviced apartment towers in scenic locations to unlock tourism’s revenue potential. Affordable housing will be rolled out across districts, targeting middle- and low-income families. Looking further ahead, Onyx envisions “smart cities” built with sustainable planning, green infrastructure, and advanced technology. For Meer, this isn’t simply real estate; it’s about upgrading living standards while creating jobs in construction, hospitality, and tourism.
3. The Business Hub – Connecting Enterprises with Capital
The third pillar, The Business Hub, strengthens entrepreneurship and investment. A digital matchmaking platform will connect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with investors, mentors, and supply chains. Physical hubs in key districts will provide coworking spaces, networking, and access to finance. The objective is to energize the business ecosystem, making it easier for entrepreneurs to grow locally while linking to global markets.
Scale and Ambition
Vision Pakistan 2030 is not symbolic; it is capitalized as a multi-billion-dollar effort with serious commitments from Meer Group and partners. Each pillar is designed to amplify the others: skilled youth feeding into entrepreneurship, housing creating demand for jobs, and tourism boosting national branding. Together, they form a cycle of empowerment, investment, and growth.
Potential Impacts
If implemented effectively, the initiative could reshape Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape. Millions of jobs would be created, regional disparities reduced, and exports boosted through digital services. Urban development would rise through housing and tourism projects, and investor confidence could be strengthened by transparent business hubs. On a global scale, tourism infrastructure would help elevate “Brand Pakistan” as a competitive destination.
Recommendations for Success
Experts recommend expanding public-private partnerships, running pilot projects before scaling, and ensuring transparency through published progress reports. Building green infrastructure within Onyx, expanding internet coverage, and leveraging Afridi’s media reach for communications campaigns would also strengthen outcomes.
Lastly, Vision Pakistan 2030 is one of the boldest initiatives in Pakistan’s recent history. Through youth empowerment, housing and tourism development, and entrepreneurial activation, Shakeel Ahmad Meer is offering a pragmatic yet ambitious roadmap. If executed with rigor and transparency, it could mark the beginning of a more inclusive, prosperous Pakistan — and cement Meer’s legacy as a leader who translated vision into action.