Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that the world was passing through a rapid knowledge revolution and only those nations that made knowledge and research the foundation of their development would be able to move forward.
Addressing the inaugural session of an international conference on Education, Research and Action in Islamabad, the Minister said artificial intelligence had emerged as a defining force of the contemporary world, making it imperative for Pakistan to transform its education system in line with the demands of the future.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan could not achieve meaningful progress while remaining attached to outdated methods and called for an education system that promotes creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than merely transferring information.
He observed that Pakistan was still struggling to move beyond a colonial legacy in education, where the system had historically discouraged independent thinking. He said English was important, but no nation had achieved development merely on the basis of the English language. “When the language of thinking and the language of expression are different, creative minds cannot fully develop,” he said.
The Minister said the curriculum was being revised to promote creativity and equip students with the knowledge and skills required to compete in a rapidly changing world. He emphasized that Pakistan’s path to development lay through quality education, modern research and the development of skilled human resources.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that research should not remain confined to books and laboratories but must be connected with practical action and solutions to the country’s real challenges. He called upon universities to play a more effective role in research, innovation and addressing national problems.
He also emphasized the need to align teacher training with modern technologies, changing educational requirements and the practical needs of classrooms. He said the country’s youth were its greatest asset and equipping them with modern knowledge, technology and future-oriented skills should remain a priority.
The Minister said Pakistan needed to significantly enhance its intellectual, research and creative capacities to compete globally. He added that successful implementation of any policy or plan required not only a vision but also effective institutions and a strong implementation mechanism.
Ahsan Iqbal said sustainable national development depended not only on technology but also on remaining connected with national traditions, values and cultural identity. He noted that the Holy Quran encouraged human beings to reflect upon and explore the universe, making research and inquiry an integral part of the country’s intellectual and religious heritage.
Recalling the teachings of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Minister said, “Iqbal urged us to become authors of books rather than merely readers of books.”
He said Pakistan needed an education system that prepared young people not merely for employment but also for leadership, innovation and contributing to national development.
