ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Monday urged universities to drive Pakistan’s economic transformation through technology, innovation and research, stressing that higher education institutions must serve as growth engines of the national economy.
Addressing the NUST Master Convocation 2026 as chief guest at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) main campus, the minister said Pakistan faced challenges in technological advancement, per capita income and exports, requiring structural reforms and greater adoption of modern technologies.
The ceremony conferred doctoral degrees on 66 PhD scholars, while 26 undergraduate students received President’s Gold Medals and 28 were awarded Chancellor’s Silver Medals in recognition of their academic achievements.
Ahsan Iqbal congratulated the graduating students, doctoral scholars and medal recipients, describing graduation from one of Pakistan’s leading universities as an honour.
He recalled that during his tenure as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission in the 1990s, the NUST model was presented, and he had expressed confidence that the institution would emerge as a leading university in Pakistan and internationally.
Emphasising the importance of practical contributions after graduation, the minister urged students to build projects and leave a legacy through their professional achievements, saying people were remembered for their contributions to society.
He paid tribute to parents for their sacrifices in supporting their children’s education and called on graduates to work for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity in their respective fields.
The minister said increasing exports was a key priority under the Uraan Pakistan programme and emphasised that universities must play a leading role in technological advancement, innovation and economic transformation.
Describing the world as entering an era of disruption, he said artificial intelligence was reshaping existing systems, while political and economic dynamics were also undergoing significant changes. He stressed that meaningful reforms required a peaceful and stable environment.
Pakistan had sufficient resources to change its economic trajectory, he said, adding that the country’s youth could play a pivotal role in achieving this objective. He also urged universities to contribute practical solutions to national challenges and encouraged graduates to learn from setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth.
Referring to the potential of Pakistan’s young population, Ahsan Iqbal said the youth should be viewed as Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s Shaheen (eagle), symbolising ambition, courage and the ability to rise above challenges.
Earlier, Rector NUST Dr Muhammad Zahid Latif welcomed the graduates, their parents and faculty members, acknowledging the sacrifices made by families in supporting students’ educational journeys.
He said NUST had evolved into a leading institution committed to academic excellence, emerging technologies, leadership development and service to society.
Highlighting the challenges of an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, the rector said knowledge alone was insufficient without honesty, integrity and dedication.
He emphasised that education at NUST focused on personal and professional transformation, with ethics and morality serving as fundamental principles.
In the era of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change, he said, the university was focusing on emerging technologies and leadership skills to prepare graduates for future challenges.
Addressing women graduates, Dr Zahid expressed confidence in their ability to lead with courage and reaffirmed NUST’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He urged all graduates to use their knowledge and abilities to make a positive difference in society.
The convocation marked the beginning of NUST Convocation Week 2026.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
