In Pakistan, planning for economic development began soon after independence. In 1951, a six year Development plan was launched, followed by the first five year plan between 1955 and 1960. Since then, the country has passed through eight five year plans, except for the period between 1971 and 1978, when plans were made on an annual basis. The Eighth Five year plan ended in 1998. All of these plans had the same goals, although the priorities differed from year to year.

i- to boost the economy.
ii- to bridge the economic gap between the rich and the poor.
iii- to reduce the development disparities between regions.
iv- to improve health, education and social conditions.
v- to develop domestic resources and decrease the dependence on foreign loans.

Some progress has been made in the development of an infrastructure, in manufacturing and in agriculture. The highest economic growth rate was achieved during the 1960s. During the 1970s, however, the economic slumped. It made some progress during the 1980s but again declined in the 1990s. Fluctuations have been observed in all sectors of the economy.
Many reasons have been forwarded to explain the failure to achieve targets. , the consequent suspension of American aid, political disturbances within the country, frequent changes of government, the economic recession in Asia. However, many economists feel that these reasons do not adequately explain the poor economic state of country.